Crediton 62 - Teignmouth 12

CREDITON RFC First XV piled on the agony for visiting Teignmouth although the game was never as one sided as the score would suggest.

Twelve points for the Teigns was scant reward for the effort they put in and but for some handling errors would certainly have added to their total.

As it was, we were both creative and clinical in attack and defensively very sound.

We were ahead on four minutes when a penalty was kicked to the corner and, having won the lineout, it was lock Luke Mingo who looped around the front and went over in the corner.

Ten minutes later, a promising Teignmouth attack broke down and from the scrum, it was Josh Woodland, playing in the centre who broke clear but a high tackle halted his run.

The penalty was again kicked to the corner and after two phases the ball found its way to left wing Bobby Jenkin who scored in the corner. The conversion from Ollie Avery-Wright was successful with the aid of the post.

On 17 minutes, another driving maul off a lineout was finished off by No8 Ben Wonnacott, OAW landing the extras for a 19-0 lead.

In between each of our scores, the visitors had reacted strongly and using their backs to good effect threatened to break through and get themselves into a good position but never quite able to finish off.

However, on the half hour, they did get rewarded after some good handling and several phases on our line, eventually making room to score a converted try.

Any joy for Teigns was very short lived as from the restart we turned over possession and attacked and it was hooker Dan Yendell who went over, OAW converted.

Teigns responded and set up another attack of their own but once again pressure from the defence forced an error and it was fullback Josh Hall who pounced on the loose ball and outpaced the visitors defence from 70 metres, the conversion was missed and we reached the break 31-7 ahead.

The second half began with an early score that stemmed from some superb handling involving forwards and backs before Dan Lee broke clear but was hauled down just short of the line but we recycled possession and put Jenkin in for another try.

Teignmouth hit back and camped on our line before spreading the ball wide and a long pass was picked up brilliantly by the fullback off his bootlaces as he dived over in the corner.

The score seemed to inspire the visitors and they dominated territory for some time but our defence was excellent forcing errors.

Eventually though we managed to get ourselves back as an attacking force and Lee made another break and we went through the phases before a long pass found Jenkin who went over to complete his hat-trick, OAW converted.

Within minutes we were awarded another penalty and it was Lee who took a quick tap and go to score at the posts. OAW landed the extras again.

Another break by a sharp looking Josh Woodland took play from our 10 metre line to within yards of the Teignmouth line, he offloaded to Jenkin who could have dotted down for his fourth try of the game but very unselfishly he shipped it on to Josh Hall to touch down.

We were playing some Barbarian style rugby and the final score came from some superb interplay ending with Woodland going over for a deserved score.

This was a hugely impressive performance all round, Teignmouth were not a bad side and they had some lively backs and no doubt they will cause teams problems as the season progresses.

Our handling and support play was first class and some scintillating tries were scored.

The weather was perfect for the type of rugby that we played and the pitch itself is in superb condition all of which contributed to some entertaining rugby.

A couple of player stats of note, No8 Ben Wonnacott played his 250th First XV game last week at Winscombe and hooker Dan Yendell played his 150th First XV game against Teignmouth. Well done both.

On Saturday, the First XV and Quins XV have a rest day whilst the Thirds travel to Exeter Engineers Seconds and the Colts have a home game against Torquay.

Paul Harris

• Gilbert Stephens Solicitors had the pleasure of sponsoring the exciting Crediton v Teignmouth rugby match.

A spokesperson for the firm said: “We hosted just under 100 guests, including clients, friends, and local rugby enthusiasts, who joined us for a day of sunshine, competition, and community spirit!

“Our day began with a fantastic lunch, where our guests mingled and caught up with familiar faces, all while sharing in the anticipation of the match.

“Following the meal, we headed pitch-side, ready to cheer on Crediton Rugby Club in a thrilling match between them and Teignmouth RFC.

“After much anticipation, Crediton Rugby Club claimed victory with a well-earned score of 62 - 12.

“Both teams played with determination, keeping the crowd on their feet the whole way through. It was a fantastic display of talent and we were honoured to play a part in celebrating their efforts on such an exciting day.

“The fun continued well into the afternoon with more conversations and laughter amongst everyone who attended and we would like to give a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us and to Crediton Rugby Club for making this day such a memorable one. We’re proud to support local rugby and look forward to more exciting games ahead!”