Crediton Rugby Club Notes

Saturday, February 23

Crediton 32

Despite the convincing victory Crediton have only marginally eased their relegation worries and should be reminded that they still have the toughest run in of the three relegation candidates.

That said, the first half produced some of their best rugby of the season and earned the first four try bonus point of the campaign by half-time. Liskeard had enjoyed a couple of decisive victories to bring them within two points of Crediton and inevitably the game had so much carrying on it for both sides.

If ever a game was worth ten points was without doubt this one fitted the bill.

The entire first half belonged to the home side and they took the lead after seven minutes when No 8, Mark Nott, did the damage to create an opportunity for scrum-half, Mike Pearce, to dash over from eight metres, fly-half, Rob Milton, landed the conversion.

Milton then popped over a penalty when the visitors were penalised for not releasing at the tackle.

Crediton continued to attack and after 11 minutes looked certain to score from a driving maul.

Liskeard were penalised for deliberately pulling the maul down and a penalty try was awarded, with Milton converting.

On 30 minutes Crediton won good lineout ball and spread the ball wide, centre Tom Foan dummied his way through to score out wide.

He repeated the effort in the other corner after the hosts had turned over possession and again efficient handling put him away.

The second half was something of a different story as Liskeard took a grip on the game but for all the pressure they could not find a way through a resolute home defence.

Inevitably though the pressure told and winger, Bas Hocking, went looking for work and came into the line to score a well worked try.

Play remained evenly contested and it was in the final minute that Nott scored a push over try and seal a fine personal performance with a well deserved try.

Scorers: Crediton – tries: Foan (2), Pearce, Nott; conversion: Milton (2); penalty: Milton.

Liskeard: try: Hocking.

The importance of this win cannot be overstated. Having seen our 11 point advantage over Liskeard all but disappear over the previous two weeks. a further setback in this game would almost certainly have made us favourites to be relegated.

The timely nature of our first four try bonus point of the season was also significant.

This was a hugely improved performance, especially in the first half when the visitors barely got into our half and we defended strongly in the right areas, i.e. the opposition half of the pitch to keep them under pressure.

The handling and support play was, at times, excellent and with the forwards creating a solid platform, once we had some scores on the board the nerves were calmed and we played some flowing rugby.

Of course, one performance does not ensure we avoid relegation, that prospect is only slightly eased.

However, it has shown what the players are capable of. We are a match for most sides in this league and with games against the top four looming, not only can we secure our own destiny but also have a say in who gets promoted.

Crediton 'Quins 29

Exmouth THIRDS 11

The 'Quins' run of form continued with a comfortable win against Exmouth and so consolidated their position at the top of Devon Merit Table Two.

No 8, Chris Hooper, grabbed two tries and there was one apiece from Alan Westcott, Shane Bayley and Dave Rich with full-back Ashley Wonnacott landing two conversions.

The 'Quins also enjoyed a friendly at Sidmouth and an entertaining game ended all square at 14 points apiece.

Richard Gray and Chris Hooper scored the tries with Gareth Kinch landing two conversions.

COLTS

The Colts have had a run of successive defeats against Brixham (14-24), Tavistock (10-20) and Exmouth (13-21).

However, in each of those games they have earned losing bonus points and could just as easily have won. The margin between winning and losing is a narrow one and no doubt their fortunes will change.

Forthcoming Fixtures

Saturday, March 2: Saltash v Crediton; Crediton Seconds v Torquay Thirds; Crediton Colts v Devonport.

Sunday, March 3: Crediton Firsts v Kingsbridge (Devon Intermediate Cup Quarter Final).

Saturday, March 9: Crediton v St. Ives; Tavistock Seconds v Crediton Thirds; University v Crediton Hornets; Paignton Colts v Crediton Colts.

PH