Crediton Veterans 55 - South Molton Veterans 7
WITH no league rugby for either the First or Second XV’s and the Colts away at Devonport, it was the turn of the “old stagers” to take the field and entertain the large crowd, and entertain they certainly did, running in eight tries plus a penalty try.
That made it three wins from three games in the newly formed Wooden Spoon Veterans League.
The style of rugby produced matched the bright sunlight in which the game was played as both sides threw the ball about and it was clear for all to see where French coach Fabien Galthie got his ideas for their game against Italy the following day.
The opening score came on 10 minutes when it certainly looked as though Bradley Baker had touched down. However, the ball was knocked on over the line, caused by a high tackle, the consequence of which was a penalty try.
A few minutes later and an interception by scrum half Pete Rich looked to end in a certain individual try, unfortunately, his legs gave out 20 metres short.
On 25 minutes, a strong driving maul produced an opportunity for second row, Eddie Yeandle who broke clear and raced over from 10 metres. Fly half Ross Toms added the extras for a 14-0 lead.
Immediately from the restart we started a wonderful flowing move which would have had the French coach purring with delight and which ended with George Savage crossing, Gareth Mason’s conversion attempt rebounded off the post.
Molton had a couple of periods of pressure but couldn’t break through and we were able to clear our lines but not with kicks.
The preference to keep the ball in hand was proving a far better means of making ground. From a scrum on halfway, the ball was sent wide and centre Andy MacLeod broke clear and with a couple of side steps scored try number four.
The visitors were struggling to cope with the pace of our backs and another try came direct from the restart, Jordan Pring went clear down the left touchline and an inside pass to Mason who went over, he added the two points.
Molton were visibly tiring and another try followed from the restart which didn’t carry the required ten metres and from the resulting scrum, quick ball out to winger Andy Wright who raced home from halfway, Maso added the extras for a 38-0 interval lead.
Once again, the restart failed to reach the 10 metres and from the scrum we cleared to touch.
We turned over possession from the lineout and again the ball went out to the backs and it was Jordan Pring who crashed over. Mason again adding the extras.
The game quietened down a bit and Molton seemed to find a second wind and for a while camped in our half but to no avail.
A break down the middle by Paul Thomas was halted but from the ruck the ball found its way to Chris Simpson who dashed over.
Again Molton pressed but were unable to break through and a clearance kick from Pete Rich was chased down by Wright who kicked ahead and won the chase to score, the conversion drifted wide.
The final word went to South Molton and deservedly so with a try under the posts after pressure on our line, the conversion was successful and the final whistle blew.
An entertaining game although we had too much firepower all round for South Molton.
A few Kirton Vets showed that they still had the skills and even the stamina to compete. Some of the handling was outstanding with some quality tries scored – we look forward to their next game.
Paul Harris