Crediton RFC 1st XV 21 - Wellington RFC 12

HAVING lost our opening two league matches, this felt like it was a must win game, even at this early stage of the season.

As with last week, injuries and unavailability’s added to the pressure but, after a tough and sometimes brutal encounter, we came out on top.

For the second week running we were slow out of the blocks and Wellington looked sharp, throwing the ball around at every opportunity.

Their sizeable pack were not only giving us some problems at scrum time but also around the park where their mobility belied their bulk.

Wellington had the first opportunity to get the scoreboard moving, but a penalty kick five minutes in, sailed wide.

The visitors continued to put us under pressure, not allowing us to find any rhythm or structure and the penalty count was becoming bit of an issue.

After 10 minutes, a missed lineout gave Wellington the chance to attack. A couple of phases later and a clever chip over pushed us right back to our own try line where we coughed up a penalty. The Welly pack tapped and went, resulting in a try and a 0-5 lead.

The visitors forwards and backs were combining well and continued to put us under pressure. A penalty chance went begging for them on 22 minutes but just a few minutes later they extended their lead to 0-12 with a converted try.

At this stage we really didn’t look to be in the game but, following a constructive chat under the posts, the lads knew they needed to step up.

From the kick off, Matt Arnold won a turnover and at last we had some attacking ball in good territory.

We strung together a few phases and were rewarded with a penalty which was kicked to the corner.

It wasn’t a perfect lineout but the ball was won and Jake Clarke powered towards the line.

He was stopped short but from the resulting ruck, Ben Harris went over. Ollie Avery-Wright added the conversion and it was 7-12.

The score gave us a lift and we started to get ourselves into the game. An injury to centre Ollie Clark saw him leave the field, meaning a reshuffle in the back line.

Ben Wonnacott shifted out and Josh Pearce took his place in the pack. Josh was soon back on the sidelines though, picking up a yellow card for handling in the scrum.

Just before half time, a trademark Ed Brady break from a lineout on our own 10m line saw us advance into the Wellington ’22. Although this didn’t result in a score but the teams were evened up as the visiting No 8 was binned after an act of foul play.

The second half began as the first ended. We were playing the conditions well and the pressure soon turned into points.

Forcing errors from Welly and putting them on the back foot, we were awarded a penalty which again went to the corner.

Securing the ball 5m out, the forwards did their bit and Harris went over for his second of the afternoon. Avery-Wright converted for a 14-12 lead.

Our intensity had ramped up and we were on the front foot but the Wellington defence was strong and we couldn’t find our usual flare in attack.

In fact, both defences were looking solid and a big Ed Brady tackle on the visiting hooker sparked a skirmish in front of the grandstand as things got a little heated.

The next score in the game would be crucial and we extended our lead when Ollie Avery-Wright pounced on a loose ball and raced in from our 10m line. He added the extras to make it 21-12.

The visitors were lucky not to be reduced to 14 men again as another act of foul play went unnoticed in the build up.

Our attack began to improve and we found space outside, Josh Woodland dove over the line to stretch the score board out but a Wellington defender made a text book cover tackle which resulted in a knock on.

The remainder of the game saw both sides have chances but defences held firm and the first league victory of the season was secured.

There is certainly room for improvement but it is great to be up and running.

A big shout out to club legend Bobby Mogford who, despite being in his 40s (thought he was much older!) played 60 minutes of the game. A great effort for the old fella!

Jay Harris