Crediton Quins 47 - Tiverton Seconds 14

WHILST Tivvy hold the bragging rights in Crediton RFC First XV encounter, it was a different story for the second teams.

This was quite a battle and perhaps the scoreline is not a true reflection of the game which for the most part was evenly contested and although we were never behind during the 80 minutes, it was not until the final quarter that we were sufficiently far ahead to feel comfortable.

Local derbies at whatever level will always make for a tough encounter and this game was no exception.

Whilst we were looking to consolidate our position at the top of the league, Tiverton were equally as keen to improve on their fourth place spot.

The early exchanges certainly gave an indication that this was a game where no quarter would be asked or given.

Both sides looked strong in attack and, whilst we had early dominance in the scrum, as the game wore on that eventually evened out.

The Quins opened the scoring in the 15th minute after a period of pressure and several phases, some good link play between forwards and backs put winger Joe Dodge in for a try out wide, Tom Ronchetti adding the extras.

This was quickly followed by a second when, once again some good handling ended with No 8 Chris Hooper going over, Ronchetti converting again.

Tiverton responded quickly and earned a penalty which they kicked to the corner and won the resulting lineout to create a driving maul from which they scored, the conversion brought it to 14-7.

With the interval approaching, skipper Josh Atkinson, who always leads from the front, was yellow carded for a high tackle although the visitors could make nothing from the resulting penalty as we defended exceptionally well.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, we increased the lead, this time a penalty kicked to the corner and the lineout won comfortably and it was Hooper with his second of the day on the end of the driving maul, Ronchetti adding the extras.

Once again though Tiverton hit back and a break through the middle by their centre eventually put the winger away to score in the corner and the excellent conversion brought it back to a seven point game.

The second half saw early Quins pressure and again some good handling ended with lock Sam Rowe spot a gap and he burst through to score, Ronchetti converting the bonus point try.

The Quins pressure drew another penalty which was again kicked to the corner, the driving maul was brought down by the Tiverton defenders and a quick tap and go penalty was taken and the resulting maul ended with prop Jasper Cockburn-Miller getting the touch down which went unconverted.

Tiverton responded but despite pressure close to our line, they were unable to break through and things were settled when Ben Baxter went over for a try and with the final play of the game Bobby Mogford also touched down. James Dodge converting both.

Another good performance from the Quins who were led extremely well by skipper Josh Atkinson whose powerful running and strong tackling is a feature of his game.

On Saturday, the First XV have an opportunity to return to winning ways at home against Wellington, the Quins travel to Exeter Engineers and the Colts travel to Newton Abbot.

Paul Harris