Barnstaple Colts 31 - Crediton Colts 24

CREDITON Rugby Club Colts made Barnstaple work hard for their victory in an enthralling game between two sides that have shown good form of late.

Both teams were relentless in their defending and it was a question of which side would make the most of their opportunities.

In the first half, we dominated territory despite playing up the slope although the home side were very committed in defence.

In the second half, we failed to take our chances and the home side managed a couple of breakaway tries although the players felt that perhaps we did not get “the rub of the green” having had a try disallowed.

The losing bonus point was scant reward for such a committed effort.

Tries were scored by Zac Yeandle, Jacob Robinson and Jake Kibbey and George Baxter converted all three and landed a penalty.

On Saturday, the First XV host league leaders Topsham and we shall of course be keen to inflict their first league defeat of the season on them in order to keep our somewhat slim chances of the league title on the table.

The Quins travel to Exeter Athletic but don’t read too much into our 107-point home win against them earlier in the season as they have picked up some good results since then.

The Thirds host Honiton Seconds who, on their day, are capable of defeating most sides in the Merit Table and so we shall have to be at our best to keep the winning momentum going.

The Colts have a home friendly against Paignton as they take a break from Cup rugby.

Paul Harris