Crediton Quins 21 - Exeter Engineers 7

WITH the pitches in Exeter out of bounds because of the weather, the game was switched to Crediton.

The Engineers have only come into the league structure this season having previously played in the Devon Merit Table.

They have certainly been worthy newcomers fully deserving of league status. They have proved a most difficult side to beat and we always knew that they would be one of the tougher fixtures.

It was very much an attritional battle and for the opening quarter, the students held the edge as both their scrum and line-out functioned better and their backs looked sharp.

For long periods all we could do was defend and we did that extremely well. It took a while but we did eventually get a foothold in the game but the visitors defence was also up to the task.

The game was 35 minutes old before the scoreboard operators had to wake from their slumbers and it was probably against the run of play that the Quins got the first points.

A series of rucks close to the visitors line ended with Cameron Vooght squeezing over, Tom Ronchetti landed the conversion for a 7-0 interval lead.

We began to dominate proceedings in the second half as we controlled the scrums although the line-outs left much to be desired and will need to be addressed at training.

However, it was no surprise when we doubled our lead when No8 Chris Hooper forced his way over with Ronchetti adding the extras.

Up to now we had spent most of the time in the Engineers’ half but strong defending and the odd handling error prevented us from adding to the score.

Eventually though, after the option to take a scrum five metres out, it was Joe Dodge who got the touch down and Ronchetti converting.

We then went in search of the bonus point, try although in doing so left ourselves a bit exposed and the pace of the students’ three quarters gave us a quick reminder of what they were capable of if they had a bit more possession.

With 10 minutes left, the Engineers’ fly half broke a couple of tackles and raced in for a try which he duly converted.

The final minutes were end-to-end as we went in search of the bonus point and the Engineers set about trying to gain a seven-pointer to gain a losing bonus point. Neither side achieved their objectives and the score remained 21-7.

We were certainly made to work hard for this win which keeps us at the top of the league although the race for the promotion spot is certainly hotting up.

We head the table with 59 points from 14 games, followed by New Cross 54 from 15, Sidmouth 52 from 13, North Tawton 52 from 14 and Tiverton 45 from 15.

No one can be ruled out especially as four of our remaining six games are away. We do have Sidmouth at home on March 1 and that will have a major bearing on the outcome but we also have Engineers away, no easy task and all could hinge on the final league game away at New Cross.

Interesting times ahead over the next couple of months.

Paul Harris