SALTASH 38
CREDITON 38
GAMES between these two sides have always been high scoring affairs, 14 matches have produced a massive 733 points in total and so it was no real surprise that this game followed a similar pattern.
It was certainly a game of fluctuating fortunes, contrasting styles and a played in a strong wind, which caused problems for both sides.
The lead changed hands on seven occasions and that the fact the game ended as a draw was no doubt the fairest outcome.
From the very first scrum it became obvious that Crediton had a distinct advantage although ultimately errors in that set piece proved our undoing.
In contrast, we were second best outside and two tries against us came from the home side attacking from deep in their own half.
Saltash took the lead in the first minute with a penalty in front of our posts as we were pinged for deliberately pulling down a maul.
Within two minutes however, had our first points on the board when from a scrum, centre Andy MacLeod broke clear before being halted 10 metres out and the resulting driving maul ended with prop Wayne Reed plunging over.
Mark Lee landed the conversion. We then earned a penalty on the home 10 metre line and opted for the kick to touch with a catch and drive.
This would have been fine had we won the lineout. Instead, Saltash stole the ball and broke clear up field and ended scoring in the corner for an 8-7 lead.
This was soon increased with another flowing move ending with a try in the same corner 13-12.
Back we came and another driving maul saw Reed grab his second and when Lee converted, we had a 19-13 lead.
This was increased upon when another powerful scrum enabled No 8, Mark Nott, to pick up and bulldoze his way over for a half-time lead of 24-13.
A minute before half-time and Crediton lock Josh Lee was yellow carded for entering the ruck from the side.
Being a man down in the opening eight minutes of the second half proved costly, as within three minutes of the restart that lead had been completely overhauled as Saltash came out of the blocks firing on all cylinders and two tries, one of which was converted put them 25-24 ahead.
They then added a penalty to make it 28-24.
Crediton then began to find their way again and a superb driving maul from 25 metres out ended in a penalty try which Lee converted for a 31-28 lead.
However, where our strength had been all through the game came the first of two costly errors, firstly on our put-in the ball seemed to shoot straight through the tunnel and into the hands of the home flanker, who ran home, unopposed to score in the corner.
The difficult conversion was successful and the hosts led 35-31.
Returning to the other end, yet another driving maul this time with lock, Josh Lee, on the end of it and brother Mark added the extras.
Crediton were back in the lead 38-35 and all that was required was to hold out for five minutes.
As we entered the final play of the game came the second costly error at the scrum, all we had to do was win the ball and stick it into touch.
However, the referee spotted and infringement and awarded a free kick to the home side which was taken quickly.
A ruck formed and Crediton hands were spotted in it interfering and a penalty awarded.
Not a difficult kick but the swirling wind could have helped us out.
Sadly it did not and kick sailed through the posts and the scores levelled when the final whistle blew.
Crediton 'Quins 20
Seconds 38
The 'Quins battled hard against a powerful Newton Abbot side who are currently third in the Merit Table.
The visitors rattled up the points in the first half as we were unable to cope with their threat outside.
Certainly the forwards were more than a match for the All Whites but at the interval we found ourselves 10-38 down.
The second half was a very different affair as we restricted their possession and grew in confidence. The fact that we won the second half is a huge credit to the players.
Crediton Hornets 27 Exeter Engineers 15
Crediton Hornets enjoyed a thoroughly entertaining game against Exeter Engineers and eventually came out on top.
Jack Rogers and Karea Bareiti each scored a try – where the other points came from is unclear!
Crediton Colts 19
Newton Abbot 14
Crediton Colts had a good win against Newton Abbot Colts with tries coming from fly-half, James Goodman, with two and winger, Ashley Bradnock.
Full-back Ollie Down landed two conversions.
Forthcoming fixtures
Saturday, November 9: First Fifteen v Honiton (home); Second Fifteen v Sidmouth (away); Hornets First Fifteen v Torrington Seconds (away); Colts v Honiton (home).
PH