TORRINGTON 35-10 CREDITON RFC 3RD XV

TORRINGTON is always a difficult place to go, and this was no exception where a tough battle on the road ended in defeat for the 3rds.

Torrington have made massive improvements over recent seasons. They were a well-drilled side with a strong forward pack, which had us on the back foot for the first half and also caused us issues at the lineout.

For long periods they were camped in our ‘22 but, despite playing against the slope, we managed to dig deep in defence and concede just two scores.

In attack, we made ground but their defence was also strong. After a bit of Torrie ill-discipline we were awarded a penalty and Tom Cooper slotted the penalty for our only points of the half.

We were 12-3 down at half-time but a change in the front row meant that our scrums settled a little bit in the second half. However, Torrie were able to bring on a full set of fresh legs and they still had the upper hand.

We had passages of great attacking play and were able to get through their defence but a few handling errors stunted our chances.

Our pressure did begin to tell and after a few tap-and-go penalties and lots of pressure in the hosts’ ’22, Ashley Bradnock crashed through the defence to score our only try of the game with Owen Cooper kicking the conversion.

It was 35-10 at full time, and Torrington deserved the win after a strong performance but, in true 3rd XV fashion, we never let our heads drop and battled hard right up to the final whistle!

We wish Torrington all the best for the rest of the season and look forward to the return fixture at Blagdon in the new year.

Rob Avery-Wright, Chris Hooper, John Gurzynski and Jay Harris