PRE-SEASON has begun in impressive style at Crediton Rugby Club.

The opening game for a Club squad was against Plymstock and whilst the visitors put up a brave resistance for the opening quarter, they did run out of steam and it became very much a procession of tries. So much so that the game was ended much earlier with the scoreline at 69-7 and there seemed little point in continuing.

The following Thursday, another strong squad travelled to Bideford and recorded a 36-0 victory even with a few players playing out of position.

Fullback Josh Davey bagged a couple of tries and there was one apiece for winger Josh Hall – who featured at scrum half for the game – Mark Lee, Josh Woodman and second row Chris Courtier. Davey converted two and Hall one. Two fairly straightforward runouts for the players but a much stronger test awaits when they play a Taunton XV on Thursday evening (August 22).

The Quins had originally planned to take on Withycombe First XV at home last Saturday but Withies were unable to put a side together.

Consequently, we decided to take Salcombe up on their offer of a trip to the South Hams.

Unfortunately, some of the players that would have been available for the home games were unable to make the trip due to the much earlier departure time. Nonetheless we took a decent squad and ran out winners 17-7 in a very competitive game which certainly got a bit feisty at times.

Salcombe certainly looked a useful side and seemed to enjoy the physical battle. However, out defence was in fine form and prevented them from scoring a try of their own making.

The try they did score was well deserved though but it came from an interception as we were attacking. Their winger snapped up the chance and race two thirds the length of the pitch and touched down.

At this point we were three tries to the good all of which came from some good handling although the opening score did have a rather dubious look about it as it appeared the ball may have been dropped before it was grounded. The referee of course was on the spot and I was 50 yards away so I am sure he had the better view.

We always looked capable of scoring but a bit of rustiness showed with some of the handling and the occasional hesitation in midfield spoiled much of the fluency.

It was certainly a good run out for both teams and the Quins will have a similarly tough game on Saturday against Exeter Saracens Firsts. For the record, the tries were scored by Ethan Power, Henry Howard and Bobby Jenkin with Josh Goldman landing a conversion.

IT is some time since the Thirds have had a pre season trial game, such is the eagerness of the players to “hit the ground” running when the season gets under way.

The visitors from New Cross brought a strong squad and did return to Kingsteignton with a 24-5 victory.

That said, the Thirds held up extremely well and will certainly be pleased with the performance. Tom O’Donnell scored the try and the Thirds can look forward to a good season.

I guess if we had to pick the statistic of the pre-season it would undoubtedly be that in excess of 70 different players have played across all the pre-season games, a remarkable achievement. There are those doom mongers who claim that the adult male game is in decline and whilst several Clubs do appear to be struggling, Crediton RFC are certainly bucking the trend – a shining light amid the gloom!

The draw for the Devon Senior Cup has just been made and we have the toughest of games in the first round albeit the equivalent of the quarter final. Barnstaple at home on October 5 is a must date for your diary. The winners will qualify for the semi-final of the Senior Cup whilst the losers will be at home in the semi-final of the Senior Shield. The two teams in that side of the draw are Exmouth and Topsham.

The Second XV Cup first round is also on October 5 and we travel to Sidmouth.

The winners will proceed to the quarter-final of the Cup whilst the losers play in the Shield, either way we would be away at Cullompton or Plymstock on November 23.

On Saturday the Quins host Exeter Saracens and the following Saturday (August 31), the Thirds host Exeter Saracens Second XV.

Paul Harris