Crediton 38 - Wellington 5

STORM Darragh put paid to many games for Crediton Rugby Club last weekend but whilst the strong wind did have an effect, it was not enough to prevent the Kirton groundstaff from working hard to ensure both home games went ahead.

Certainly, the players and spectators alike were aware of the strength of the wind but it really had little effect on the First XV game against Wellington.

Yes, the odd lineout went astray but it did encourage both teams to keep the ball in hand which made for some entertaining rugby.

We opened the scoring as early as the fourth minute when a penalty was kicked to the corner.

From the resulting lineout a driving maul was set but held up and the ball released to the backs and it was centre Josh Goldman who, with a step inside, went over.

The conversion was held in the wind.

Two minutes later and the exercise was repeated although this time the forwards kept the ball to themselves and the driving maul was finished off by second row Luke Mingo, OAW converted.

The third try came on 15 minutes when some good handling ended with OAW nipping through a gap to touch down and then convert himself.

Wellington came more into the game but lacked any penetration against some strong defending and it was not until shortly before the interval that the bonus point try was secured.

Again the forwards took the ball on and went through several phases before flanker Matt Arnold stretched over to touch down. OAW again adding the extras for a 24-0 interval lead.

In the second half the game had reached something of a stalemate for 20 minutes or so but on the hour, we received a clearance kick just in our half and set up a driving maul which took play to the visitors “22” before the ball was released to Josh Woodland who had come off his wing to the 10 channel and who proceeded to crash through tackles to score. OAW converted.

We continued to put pressure on the visitors but they were not simply going to roll over.

However, it was Woodland, again with a trademark finish, after some good back play as he left would be tackles in his wake.

Just when we thought we had done enough to keep a clean sheet, Wellington struck and were awarded a penalty five metres out.

At the same time Darragh gave us a reminder that he was still around when a tree on the grandstand side and fortunately at the other end of the pitch actually fell on the pitch.

With players and spectators looking around to see what had happened, Wellington took a quick penalty and crashed over for a consolation try. The try was not converted and the final whistle went.

Both sides played some decent rugby, we were more creative and adapted to the conditions better than Wellington.

However, they had their moments in the game but were up against some good defending.

It was nice to get back into winning mode and hopefully we can make it back to back wins against Cullompton on Saturday.

On Saturday the Firsts entertain Cullompton, the Quins have a day off.

The Colts play their game at Newton Abbot which was postponed last Saturday.

Paul Harris