Topsham 33 - Crediton 22

DESPITE putting up a spirited fight, on November 9, Crediton First XV fell to defeat against an unbeaten Topsham XV, and were left to rue “what might have been”.

A slow and lacklustre start from Crediton allowed Topsham to strike early, with the first half ending 21-5 to the hosts.

A swift response from Kirton resulted in the hosts lead being cut to just four points, however, an interception try

from Topsham ultimately took the game away from the Kirton lads.

The scoreboard was soon ticking over when the Topsham backs took advantage of some uncharacteristically lacklustre Crediton defending.

A couple of missed tackles allowed the home backs to get in behind, and quickly managed to shift the ball wide to finish in the corner. The conversion was successful.

Crediton hit back with some strong carries creating problems for Topsham with sustained pressure on Topsham’s line.

However, such was their defence that it forced a Crediton error at the breakdown, resulting in a penalty and an easy exit for the hosts.

The lineout that followed the kick for touch was disrupted, resulting in a scrum for the hosts.

Crediton’s scrum came under strong pressure to allow Topsham good ball.

The home backline then execute a successful move to finish in the corner. The try was converted and despite territory and pressure, Kirton were left shellshocked 14-0 down within 15 minutes.

Crediton again managed to regain possession from the restart on Topsham’s 22, this time being far more clinical with possession.

A penalty was kicked for the corner, and an ever-successful well-worked move off the line out resulted in Luke Mingo bullying his way over the line for the try.The kick being within a metre of the touchline, unfortunately was not converted.

Topsham inevitably responded, and despite some strong defence and a couple of carries “held-up” over the line, they managed to execute a smart play off their own line out, with the Kirton defence being caught out, allowing to a two on one to be finished under the posts for the converted try, 21-5 at half time.

Crediton came firing out the blocks second half, and a scrum penalty allowed the lads a lineout deep in Topsham’s 22. Despite Topsham’s admirable defence, Luke Mingo eventually crashed over after hitting a hard line in close quarters. Conversion was good, and then comeback was on!

The hosts, however, have an ability to score tries from nothing, even when under huge pressure.

This was demonstrated when their fly half managed to dot down for a converted try after a strong line break put them on the front foot, deep in CRFC’s half.

Despite being 26-12 down, Kirton refused to go down without a fight.

Some kick tennis resulted in an opportunity for Josh Woodland, who now found himself out on the wing having started at outside centre.

The self-proclaimed “baby rhino” lived up to this horrendous nickname, and the “Blagdon Lomu” left three Topsham defenders in a heap on the floor, barrelling over the line out wide, scoring a try that would have given Mike Catt flashbacks from 1995.

Again, despite a strong effort for the conversion, Kirton’s tries were all out wide, putting pressure on OAW to add the extras, 26-17 with plenty of time to go.

Things started to get exciting when Crediton found themselves back in Topsham’s 22, seconds after the restart.

A penalty was won five metres out, and rather than take the points, quick thinking allowed the ball to be worked wide for Baby Rhino to add to his tally, 26-22.

A real battle ensued, with Topsham’s flamboyant style being counteracted by Kirton’s bullish defence.

The tension was noticeable amongst the home crowd, with Topsham not having been challenged like this at home this season. With under 15 minutes to go, it was, however, an unfortunate moment for Crediton that resulted in the game winning try for Topsham.

An interception was thrown in midfield by CRFC, and very skilfully taken by Topsham’s 12, with him scoring under the sticks.A bitter pill for Kirton to swallow, and what was ultimately the hammer blow.

Topsham saw out the rest of the match maturely, and what was a pulsating game was closed out, with no further score.

Crediton will take confidence from the performance, going toe to toe with unbeaten league leaders.That said, there will be an element of frustration also.

Against a team as ruthless and threatening as Topsham, Kirton gave away two soft tries, which left the lads with too

much to do.

Topsham deserved their win and played like a side who had won six from six.

The differing styles from both teams lead to a fascinating match, and no doubt the return fixture will be as exciting and point laden as this one was.

Next the First XV look to get back to winning ways against North Petherton, back at Blagdon.

Ben Wonnacott