CREDITON 12 - KINGSBRIDGE 11
YOU couldn’t call it a classic and it wasn’t a high scorer, but the visit of Kingsbridge on Saturday, October 20 was one that had us all on the edge of our seats right up to the final whistle.
We had not beaten Kingsbridge in a league game since 2005 and at half-time it looked as though we would have to wait a few more months before we would get another opportunity.
The Kingsbridge players and supporters would have enjoyed the first half more than the home contingent. The visitors looked more threatening with the ball in-hand and our defence didn’t appear as solid as usual.
On the other hand, when we were on the offensive, their defence put us under significant pressure. Our ability to hold onto possession was tested to the limit and all too often we coughed up the ball.
Having conceded two penalties on 11 and 25 minutes plus an unconverted try after 35 minutes, we hit the break 0-11 down.
The home supporters were jittery and many thought the chances of us clinging to our unbeaten record in the league were slim.
The half-time team talk was honest and it was clear that the players knew they had much more to offer. And offer more they did!
The second half performance was unrecognisable from the first. Our line speed moved up a gear or two and our retention of the ball in attack was much improved.
A try in the corner from Dan Cooper on the hour got us on the scoreboard and seven minutes later, a superb length of the field effort (well almost!) from Ed Brady, converted by Mark Lee saw us take a 12-11 lead.
Kingsbridge tried to hit back but a fine defensive set saw us hold out and take the four points and so maintain our unbeaten record and stay in second place.
I’m sure everyone (players and coaching staff included) will agree that it wasn’t our finest performance but you have to admire the way in which the players turned things around in the second half. There will be days like it and the lads showed great character and attitude.
To-date, our away form seems to be much better than at home where, despite winning all three games, we have only scored 38 points and a mere five tries whereas we are averaging that every game away from home.
However, 30 points from a possible 35 is an impressive return from our opening seven games.
‘QUINS
BUDE SECONDS 0 - CREDITON SECONDS 14
HORNETS
EXMOUTH THIRDS 38 - CREDITON THIRDS 15
Due to the demise of Withycombe Second Fifteen, the Thirds travelled to Exmouth to play their Thirds in a friendly.
The home side are always a strong outfit but were taken a bit by surprise as they were not getting things their own way.
Their frustrations grew as we got the first score with a try from Ed Marshall, converted by Hayden Hill.
Once the Cockles got into their stride however, they began to assert themselves and bagged a couple of tries but a penalty from Hayden Hill reduced the deficit to four points at the interval.
The second half scoring was dominated by the home side although we battled away and did have the last word with a try from prop Macca Jones.
The final score somewhat flattered Exmouth who nonetheless were very grateful to our players for travelling there and giving them a game, something that other clubs don’t seem very keen to do.
COLTS
CREDITON COLTS 35 - TORQUAY COLTS 10
The Colts opened their Devon Colts Plate competition with a comprehensive victory over Torquay Colts and their eighth consecutive win of the season.
Lewis Warren bagged a couple of tries and there was one apiece for Nathan Karea, Oscar Broad-Voisey and Cameron Storey with Owen Cooper converting all five.
Congratulations to Josh Woodland who has been selected in the Devon Under 18 squad to play the Chiefs Academy on Sunday, October 28.
Tomorrow, Saturday, October 27 the First Fifteen travel to Paignton and will certainly be looking to continue their run of success away from home.
The ‘Quins entertain Paignton Seconds in the Merit Table. The Third Fifteen travel to Torrington for a Merit Table game whilst the Colts go to Exeter Saracens for a friendly fixture.
Paul Harris