TIVERTON 27-20 CREDITON RFC 1ST XV

THERE is rarely anything routine about a meeting between Crediton and Tiverton, and Saturday was no exception.

The rivalry between the two sides has long ensured a fiercely competitive encounter, regardless of league position or recent form.

Tiverton arrived in formidable shape, having lost just three times all year and making full use of an exceptionally experienced squad.

Confidence was high in their ranks, and with good reason. We’ve been in decent form too, with eight wins from the last nine fixtures, quietly building momentum after a challenging start to the campaign.

The previous two meetings this season had seen Tiverton claim convincing victories over a young, developing Crediton side. Those results underlined the gap in experience and cohesion at the time.

Saturday’s contest, though, demonstrated just how much graft our lads have put in to close that gap and re-establish themselves as genuine competitors against the league’s top teams. There is still plenty of work to do, but the trajectory is positive and bodes well for the year ahead.

We started brightly in front of a large and vocal crowd – bolstered by the presence of over 100 former players - and when Josh Davey slotted an early penalty we were deservedly 3–0 ahead. The lead didn’t last long, however, as our visitors replied with a three-pointer of their own to level things up.

Our response was immediate. Josh Goldman burst through the centres, powering his way over for the opening try, which Davey converted to restore our advantage at 10–3. A second Davey penalty extended the lead to 13-3.

As half-time approached Tiverton found a foothold, crossing for a try of their own to narrow the gap. That score sent us into the break with a slender 13–8 lead.

Both sides were struggling to get to grips with the Hampshire referee’s interpretation of the laws but we shaded the first half through sheer work rate and discipline.

Relentless defence frustrated Tiverton’s powerful ball carriers, while efficient and aggressive work at the breakdown disrupted their rhythm and secured crucial turnovers. When chances came, they were taken clinically.

As is so often the case in rugby, the momentum swung after half-time. Tiverton began to capitalise on territory, gradually turning the tide. A converted try saw them edge ahead for the first time in the game, 13-15, but the match struggled to find sustained flow.

With seven yellow cards shown over the course of the game (four for us, three for our visitors), both sides spent significant periods playing with reduced numbers, making it difficult for either team to build consistent phases or rhythm.

We regained the lead when James Dodge plucked a wayward pass from Tiverton and went over under the sticks. With Davey hitting the target again it was 20-15.

It remained an arm wrestle throughout, an even contest that could easily have tipped either way. In the end, with two more tries, it was Tiverton who edged it by a single score, claiming a 27–20 victory.

Despite the result, we can take immense encouragement from a performance that highlighted the progress and resilience of the squad.

Against one of the form teams in the league, we proved we are once again capable of competing toe-to-toe with a squad that is still without influential half backs Ed Brady and Ollie Avery-Wright. A promising sign of what lies ahead.

Coming up on Saturday, March 7: 1st XV v Teignmouth (A), 2nd XV v Devonport Services (A), 3rd XV v Exmouth (H), Colts XV v TBC.