Crediton Thirds 40 - Bideford Seconds 14

CREDITON RFC Thirds expected a tough battle against Bideford Seconds as it is they who have inflicted the solitary Merit Table defeat on us this season and so it turned out.

Both sides entered the festive spirit and played some really good rugby to entertain the brave souls who had turned out to watch.

Bideford opened strongly and we were forced to defend but once we had weathered the storm we began to put some attacks together but it was Bideford whose defence was hard to break down.

However, after pressure five metres off the visitors line and a few phases, it was centre Tom O’Donnell who burst through to score at the posts.

Owen Cooper converted for an encouraging 7-0 lead.

O’Donnell nearly bagged a second try when he surprised the Bideford defence when he broke clear from our "22" and made 60 metres before being hauled down.

Bideford picked up the loose ball and tried to run out of defence but dropped the ball in the process and it was the razor sharp reactions of Brad Baker who pounced to score, Cooper added the extras for a 14-0 lead.

It didn’t take long for Bideford to respond and they scored a well worked try, the conversion cut the lead to seven points.

As half time approached another period of pressure and hooker Lewis Cook went over from close range for an interval lead of 19-7.

The second half was but a few minutes old and pressure in the visitors "22" and it was the elusive Joe Warren who stepped his way past a few defenders to score, he added the extras for 26-7.

The Thirds were beginning to run everything and another break by the ever dangerous O’Donnell was again halted short of the line but Warren was again on hand to finish things of with a try which he converted.

Bideford bounced back and forced a few penalties before eventually crossing for a converted try.

Try as they did, Bideford were unable to add to their score but the score of the game came at the end and in spectacular fashion from the fleet footed Warren who intercepted inside our "22" and went through half the visiting team stepping off both feet and handing off before touching down under the posts, he added the extras and at 40-14, that was it.

An excellent result against a side that are certainly capable of beating most sides in the Merit Table.

Some outstanding scores from some very talented players.

Ben Rodd and No8 was outstanding and a couple of crunching tackles shook the grandstand! O’Donnell and Warren are both difficult to stop when at full tilt. Brad Baker as ever gave his all with a wealth of experience behind him and plenty of rugby left in him.

The forwards generally were in good form, some early problems at scrum time were ironed out although a bit of work is needed on the lineouts. A fine team effort from everyone, a great way to end 2024.

Paul Harris