CULLOMPTON COLTS 15 - CREDITON COLTS 7

CREDITON Colts travelled to Cullompton on Saturday, January 25 looking to follow up on the previous weekend’s impressive victory.

Cully have recorded some big wins in the Merit Table so this was always going to be a tough encounter.

Playing down the slope, Cullompton started strongly, although a couple of early scrums showed that we may have the edge in this battle. The home side looked sharp outside with some pacey and powerful runners.

The early pressure from Cullompton forced us into conceding a penalty on six minutes which was slotted for a 3-0 lead.

Both sides were doing their best to gain the upper-hand and brighten up the dank conditions.

We did force a couple of penalties which were kicked into good attacking positions but unfortunately on each occasion the lineout misfired and opportunities were lost.

On 22 minutes we were reduced to 14 men as Liam Newstead was sent to the bin for an illegal entry to the ruck.

Almost immediately the home side took advantage and crossed for a try in the corner to extend the lead to 8-0. That’s the way it stayed until half-time.

With the slope now to our advantage, hopes were high that we could overturn the deficit. Cullompton had other ideas though and were able to control possession and territory well, offering us very few chances.

We were working hard in defence but were breached on 53 minutes when Cullompton moved the ball wide after a lineout catch and drive. Having created some space they went over for a converted try and a 15-0 lead.

We weren’t out of the game but with limited possession in attacking areas we didn’t really look like getting a score.

With time nearly up though we managed to get hold of the ball in the opposition “22” and after a couple of close drives by the forwards, No 8 Liam Bayley crashed over.

Ryan Styles knocked over the conversion. There was time for one final play but 15-7 was the score as the final whistle blew.

Cullompton were well worth the win and, had it not been for our excellent defensive effort throughout, could arguably have won by more.

Well done lads, while it wasn’t the result you wanted you put in a shift and showed some real qualities.

Jay Harris