New Cross 12 v Crediton Quins 20

THE top-of-the-table clash was always going to be a tough encounter with New Cross looking to ensure the runners-up spot in the league with a win over the Quins.

The Kingsteignton-based side were quick out of the blocks as they tried to impose their authority on the game with some strong carries through their forwards.

The Quins’ defence held firm, although we were caught napping by a smart lineout move by the hosts five metres out and they crossed for the opening score, the difficult conversion being successful.

Playing against the slope, the Quins would have been relatively happy to reach the interval at 0-7 but were even more delighted when just before the break, scrum half James Dodge went over in the corner with Tom Ronchetti landing a difficult conversion to level things up at the interval.

With slope and breeze in our favour during the second half, the Quins played the conditions and kept the home side pinned in their own half.

It was no surprise when the pressure told and flanker Josh Pearce scored off a well-worked lineout move.

New Cross gradually got themselves back into the game and controlled things through their hard-running forwards, although we earned some relief when they were penalised on their own 22 and fullback Ollie Chandler-Sullivan landed the three points to put us two scores clear.

The home side then took the game to the Quins, and camped in our 22 going through phases and working their way towards the try line inch by inch.

Their patience paid off with a try in the corner, and although the conversion missed its mark, it was now a three-point game.

The Quins did have the final word when winger Joe Dodge, with a great run down the wing, scored for a hard-earned 20-12 victory.

Paul Harris