Crediton Colts 19 - Barnstaple Colts 17

Crediton RFC Colts had a full squad to choose from for the home game against Barnstaple Colts as we went in search of our first victory in the Colts Cup.

The overhead conditions were set fair for some good rugby although unsurprisingly, a little heavy underfoot.

Barnstaple had started the season strongly with only one loss, against Ivybridge, being their only blemish on an otherwise unbeaten start to the competition. This promised to be a spirited game to say the least!

Pre match Crediton were unusually nervous and agitated but excited to get the match under way.

Playing up the slope and against the wind, Crediton secured the Barnstaple kick off, retained possession and recycled ball effectively, pressuring the visitors defence and maintaining field position.

Eventually, the pressure paid off and it was prop Archie Bridgeman who crossed the line with George Baxter converting for a 7-0 lead. 

The game continued with some strong ball carrying from both sides which was matched by equally robust tackling.

Pressure from Barum forced a turnover and they turned defence into a well executed attack and levelled the score with a well worked converted try.

As the first half contest continued, the physicality built throughout, both sides relentless in pursuit of a foothold in the game but neither team could gain the upper hand. Some errant kicking from the visitors and some intelligent football from Crediton got the home side deep into Barnstaple territory where again some breathless tight forward play ended with flanker Joe Milford getting over from short range, with no conversion added, we reached the interval with a 12-7 lead.

At the break Crediton made eight changes ensuring all the lads played at least a half a game and the challenge set in the half time talk was clear, not to allow the changes affect our energy, positivity and most importantly physicality. The second message was to use the conditions, to pin Barnstaple back in their half.

Playing up the slope, Barnstaple employed a more direct approach and for a while they countered the Crediton plans and eventually they crossed Crediton’s line adding the conversion, to take the lead for the first time12-14.

The pressure from Barum continued but the home sides stubborn defence was outstanding until Crediton eventually conceded a penalty in front of goal, which Barnstaple successfully kicked, 12-17.

As the game entered its final quarter this hard-fought encounter continued to deliver. With both sides tiring and tension heightening, discipline started to fray, both sides giving the opposition opportunities to get a decisive score.

With time running out Barnstaple infringed on the halfway line offering Crediton the chance to make touch deep in their territory, Crediton won the lineout through Plowman, who had been immaculate in this area throughout the game.

Some fierce ball carrying and rucking followed with Crediton forcing the opposition into conceding a further penalty.

No8 Tom Ayre took the tap penalty, carried with great purpose and set up a ruck. Several phases followed until centre Jed Mussel carried over for Crediton’s third try and level the scores at 17-17.

With the clock ticking in the red Baxter’s conversion attempt would be the final play in this captivating game. He duly kept his nerve and confidently converted, final score 19-17 and a tremendous victory.

Although Crediton’s fortunes have been mixed so far this season, the boys have shown great resilience, competitiveness, add this to their collective desire to improve.

This fabulous result should be one of many. Undoubtedly Exciting times ahead!

Tomorrow, Saturday, the Colts travel to Wadebridge.

Chris Kibbey