Tiverton Seconds 20 - Crediton Quins 38

THE derby atmosphere also took a hold at Tiverton but here there was something more at stake as a victory for Crediton RFC Quins would guarantee promotion, defeat and the inevitable push for promotion would simply be delayed.

The game started at a ferocious pace and intensity from both sides but it was the home side that drew first blood.

Unfortunately, a couple of moments of indiscipline cost the Quins with Tivvy easing to a six point lead with two penalties.

The first half was evenly balanced with neither side gaining the upper hand although things were beginning to look ominous for the Quins when Tiverton added a converted try right on half time.

The second half was a very different story and started with the Quins upping the pace and it was the ageless Tom Ronchetti who set up two tries with cross-field kicks that were latched on to by fullback Ollie Chandler-Sullivan.

The Quins pack began to dominate winning scrums on the Tiverton put in and enabling us to get deep into the home territory. The ball moved quickly with width and Henry Howard went over, Ronchetto converting.

Tiverton didn't give up and came back strongly keeping pressure on in our “22” and eventually bagged another try after some close pick and go battles.

The Quins attacked once more and went in search of the bonus point try which eventually came when flanker Liam Staite touched down. The game closed out with James Dodge intercepting a pass and was a pure foot race to the line, Ronchetti converting for a 38-20 victory.

With two games remaining against Exeter Engineers and New Cross, both tough games, promotion to Counties 2 Tribute Devon league, (or what was formerly Devon One) has been secured.

It has been a tremendous season for the Quins and there is yet more silverware on offer as the Quins travel to Torquay on Sunday, March 16 in the final of the Second XV Shield and support will be appreciated by the players.

Not a good day for Crediton Colts

Ivybridge Colts 59 - Crediton Colts 17

The Colts produced a disappointing performance at Ivybridge and were seldom in the game.

Ivybridge are always a strong side but we simply did not compete as the players know that they can.

They made an encouraging start but soon found themselves under pressure and the home side scored tries at regular intervals. Sam Wheeler, Marcus Johns and Harry Gulley scored a try apiece with George Baxter landing a conversion.

The First XV have no game this weekend but the Colts are at home against Sidmouth on Saturday. The Quins travel to Torquay on Sunday for the final of the Second XV Shield kick off at 2.30pm.

The First XV game against Tiverton on Saturday was watched by more than 100 former players including Les Bradfield who at 93 is our oldest former player.

Les began his playing career in the early 1950’s, his First team debut against Tiverton.

The Club presented him with a First XV tie and he thoroughly enjoyed watching the First team win.

Paul Harris