Crediton Women’s - Newton Abbot Women’s

A SOMEWHAT depleted Crediton side headed to Newton Abbot on Sunday, December 4, looking for a seventh win of the season.

This was not to be an easy task, as a rejuvenated Newton Abbot were full of spark.

But, after some sustained pressure, it was Crediton that went over for the first try, scored by Emily Blatchford.  Unfortunately, the conversion attempt went wide of the uprights.

Newton Abbot responded quickly with a try of their own, with some good phase play, scored close to the post and with the conversion complete, put the home side in the lead.

Soon after, Crediton piled on the pressure which led to space being provided for Holly Keast to dive over to score.

The conversion was narrowly missed by Rachel Mortimer hitting the upright, leaving the score Crediton 10 - Newton Abbot 7, at half-time.

From the start of the second half, Crediton came out the stronger side with robust scrummaging, dexterous lineout work and some excellent driving.

This all made it a simpler task for the ball to go through the hands for captain Danni Phillips to score, the conversion yet again sailed wide of the mark.

Newton Abbot not ready to lie down, struck back with a try of their own, however the conversion was missed, bringing the score closer, Crediton 15 - Newton Abbot 12.

From the restart, Crediton looked like a team determined to close this game out and advanced into Newton Abbots half to set up camp. 

They applied more and more pressure until space appeared for Libby Baker to go over in the corner, which Libby attempted to convert herself.

With a sudden surge from Newton Abbot Women, they managed to get a penalty five yards out, which the nine tapped and went to score.

Fortunately for Crediton the conversion went wide to leave the score at full-time Crediton 20 - Newton Abbot 17.

Forward of the match went to Lorraine Cleverdon-Brend and the back of the match was Alice Mahony.

All-in-all, this was not our best performance so far this season, but against a solid organised side Crediton Women did show some real grit and determination, together with a few sparkles of brilliance mixed in, which makes this group of Ladies a real credit to the club.

Thank you to Newton Abbot for a tough game and to the supporters who travelled down on a rather cold and dreary afternoon to cheer the Ladies on.

Our next match is at home, against Devonport Services Ladies on Sunday, December 18, their last game before the festive break.  The Ladies will be wearing their new match shirts, so please make the effort to come and support them and our sponsors The Three Little Pigs and Westcountry Groundworks, it would be much appreciated.

Kev Ellis