CREDITON THIRDS 20 - EXETER ENGINEERS 29

IN another floodlit encounter against Exeter Engineers on November 14 both sides provided an entertaining game in the Devon Merit Table 2NE.

The Engineers as always had a speedy set of backs and looked dangerous with the ball in-hand. The Crediton defence withstood the challenge for the most part and were always in the game.

The students opened the scoring with a well-worked try out wide and then added a second which was converted for a 12-0 lead.

The Thirds hit back with a try from flanker Jack Reed.

SIDMOUTH 40 - CREDITON 0

The top of the table clash away at Sidmouth RFC on November 17 was eagerly anticipated, but injuries and absences gave the team sheet an unfamiliar look.

Playing down the slope in the first half, we were out of the traps quickly and put the home side under considerable pressure.

For 20 minutes we looked strong and optimism amongst the crowd, who had travelled to support the lads, was growing.

Unfortunately we were unable to turn the early pressure into points as the Sidmouth defence held firm. Both sides missed kickable penalties and as Sidmouth got themselves into the game, they managed a try close to the posts.

The relatively straightforward conversion was missed and it was 5-0 to the hosts.

The commitment and intensity from both sides was outstanding and neither team could get into a position of dominance.

However, as half-time approached we found ourselves with a five-metre scrum on the Sidmouth line. The Kirton pack put on a solid shove but unfortunately we lost control of the ball.

At the subsequent Sidmouth scrum, we put on an even better shove. Somehow the home No 8 managed to pick the ball out of the front row and they managed to clear with a kick up the middle of the park.

The bounce favoured the home chasers and with one more pass, which some may argue was a touch forward, they were in under the sticks. That made it 12-0 as the half-time whistle blew.

The second half belonged to Sidmouth and while we showed glimpses of how we can play, the effect of having a number of players out of position ultimately took its toll.

Sidmouth ran in four more tries to take a comfortable 40-0 victory.

As always, the effort and commitment could not be faulted and no-one should be too downbeat after this result.

Those players who played out of position did a great job in tough circumstances.

Sidmouth are a good side and deserve their spot at the top of the league. It’s always going to be a tough ask when you start the game with two forwards in the backs and end up with 12 forwards on the pitch. Yes, it is hard to take but we’ll come back stronger!

This unbeaten run comes to an end but with a game against St Austell next, we’ll be looking to start the next one.

At no time did the players lose heart and the general feeling was that, providing we have a full squad to select from, Sidmouth can be beaten when the return game is played at Blagdon next March.

(Report by Jay Harris)

CULLOMPTON SECONDS 29 - CREDITON ‘QUINS 28

A slow start from the ‘Quins saw us 0-14 down within minutes and indeed a rout looked on the cards. However, things improved dramatically as the forwards began to dominate at the scrum and provided a platform for the backs to start reducing the arrears.

In the end a single point defeat was far better than was anticipated and ultimately, it was a game that could have been won.

Winger Tom O’Donnell raced in for two tries, and there was one apiece for Matt Goodman and Gav Best. Tom Ronchetti converted all four.

CREDITON THIRDS 3 - SIDMOUTH SECOND 24

Having defeated the ‘Quins in a friendly the previous week, the undefeated Sidmouth Seconds travelled to Crediton for the Merit Table game against our Thirds and fully expected an easy ride and a comfortable victory.

Whilst they did gain the win, they were made to work much harder than they had anticipated and, despite the advantage of the slope in the first half, only turned around 10-3 ahead.

It took half-an-hour to get the scoreboard moving having been frustrated by some outstanding defending. The Thirds were penalised for offside at a ruck and the penalty was popped over.

Within minutes they did get their first try when their strong running centre burst through to score, the conversion put them 10 points clear. However, a Crediton attack earned a penalty which Hayden Hill duly landed.

In the second half, we did have chances and two powerful runs from centre Scott Mills came very close to scores but some last ditch defending by the visitors kept their line intact.

Two converted tries late in the game provided Sidmouth with a victory that they deserved but were forced to battle hard for.

The Thirds deserve the plaudits for the way in which they defended for the entire 80 minutes especially as we had no replacements and they were delighted to receive the compliments from the visitors who thought it was a tougher game than they had against the Second Fifteen the previous week.

WITHYCOMBE COLTS 15 - CREDITON COLTS 31

The Colts returned to winning ways with a good performance at Withycombe and ran out deserved winners to go to the top of the Colts Plate Merit Table.

Skipper Will Crang scored a hat-trick of tries and there was one apiece for Sam Wilson and James Revell. Owen Cooper landed three conversions.

The defeat at Sidmouth combined with St Austell winning against Chard meant we dropped to third place in the league.

CREDITON 6 - ST AUSTELL 9

For the second successive week (November 24) the First Fifteen were hit with injuries but still managed to turn in a tremendous performance and indeed were unlucky to lose against second placed St Austell.

Try scoring opportunities were at a premium and although none were scored by either side, it was still a thoroughly entertaining game.

Despite a very early setback when the visitors were awarded a penalty to go 3-0 up, the rest of the half belonged to Crediton both in terms of territory and possession and we almost levelled on the half-hour when stand-in fly-half Dan Yendell hit the post with a penalty attempt.

However, he was successful a few minutes later and the game reached the half-way mark at 3-3.

An early second half penalty put the Saints ahead again but Yendell cancelled that one out and levelled 10 minutes later.

Home hopes were crushed five minutes from time when another penalty, this time on half-way, was booted over to give the visitors a victory.

Overall, a draw would have been a fair result but to a man, every player put in a huge shift and there is no reason that, when the injury issues are resolved, we cannot get back to winning games - tomorrow against Tiverton would be a good start.

‘QUINS

The ‘Quins travelled to Ivybridge with just 15 players and came unstuck 12-56. Rob Leach and Gav Best scored tries with Sam Ronchetti landing a conversion.

HORNETS

The Third Fifteen’s also had a tough Merit Table fixture against Ilfracombe First Fifteen but once again a really committed performance made sure the visitors had to work hard for their win.

Crucial games tomorrow, Saturday, December 1, against Tiverton for Firsts, Seconds and Thirds whilst the Colts host Exeter Saracens in a friendly.

Paul Harris