Tiverton Thirds 21 - Crediton Thirds 62

IT was Derby Day for all three senior Crediton RFC teams last weekend and the Third team made the short journey over the hills to face our old foes Tiverton.

It's always a good battle when these two teams lock horns and this one did not disappoint.

With a number of key players not available, we travelled with just a couple of replacements, an unusual scenario this season, which meant a few players turning out in unfamiliar positions.

To a man they were totally unfazed by the changes and all performed superbly.

The first half was a hard fought battle with little to choose between the two sides and the home side looking very keen to end our winning run.

The game became a bit fractious as we looked to protect our position at the top of the Merit Table and our hosts determined to put a dent in our ambitions.

Tempers flared resulting in a yellow card for us and a red for the boys in blue. At the interval, we had a five point advantage at 19-14.

The half time discussion concluded that we needed to improve defensively and gain more control of the game.

The conversion had the desired effect and we dominated the second period running in seven more tries although Tivvy, despite being a man short, did gain a consolation try.

Second rower Cameron Vooght led from the front with a man of the match performance scoring two tries and leaving many defenders trailing in his wake.

Owen Cooper had another fine day with one try and six conversions, a try each for Harry Hustwayte playing in the centre's for the first time, prop Lewis Cook, Mike Snell, Sam Kibbey, Ben Rodd, Elliot White and Joe Crocker who dotted down after being denied moments earlier and topping off a fine performance on the wing.

The players really pulled together in a game which could of gone against us.

We sit at the top of the Merit Table with an eight point cushion to the second placed side who have a game in hand.

A big thanks to Tiverton Thirds for their part in another fantastic display of local Third team rugby we wish them all the best for the rest of the season on look forward to welcoming them to Blagdon in the new year.