THE five teams in the Devon Walking Rugby cup held at the Blagdon Ground, Exhibition Road Crediton on Saturday, August 19, had some close games.

Crediton improved from a difficult start to secure a place in the third/fourth place play off with a four to three try win over Withycombe.

However after holding Dartmouth to 1-1 at half-time the South Devon side added three second-half tries to steal third place.

Two of the most experienced teams in the county Topsham and Exeter Saracens topped the pool table, having had a close game between each other and victories over both Crediton and Withycombe they faced each other in the final.

Topsham reloaded its squad bringing in former Bristol and England women player Alex Pilkington, yet even after some fabulous moves at the end of the first half the score remained tied at 1-1.

The defence dominated during the second half and it was deadlock at the final hooter.

So extra time became golden try time.

Following a move from the Saracens left wing to the right wing and with just under three minutes of extra time played the Saracens wing found space in the corner to secure the closest of victories.

In the spirit of walking rugby the event included a fair play award.

In this year’s festival referees were asked to judge fair play in each game. Senior Referee, Bob Price had to decide between a trio of equally rated teams: Dartmouth, Crediton and Withycombe and his final judgement fell the way of hosts Crediton who collected the Roger Holloway Fun Cup - celebrating the fair play award.

Philip Thicthener