Tiverton 15 - Crediton 10

DERBY day in Mid Devon (on November 30), the first for some years that involved three sides from each Club, ended in disappointment for Crediton RFC First XV which was clear to see on the faces of players and spectators alike.

It was difficult to pinpoint the reasons behind the result, especially as we had begun so well with an early try.

We started strongly and showed positive intent, some good ball handling saw winger Jack Arnott go over in the corner for our first try. However, Tiverton weathered the early storm, and executed a simple game plan.

Tiverton level the score with a try of their own from some strong pick and goes which sent them over. The conversion put them 7-5 ahead and from then on we were playing catch-up.

We certainly thought that we had scored from a rolling maul but the referee can only give what he sees and deemed the ball was held up over the line. The general consensus was that we had grounded the ball.

The penalty count for both sides was high although the hosts took advantage with a three pointer to reach the interval with a 10-5 lead.

Two yellow cards reduced us to 13 players on the park for a time which of course was not helpful.

The second half saw Tiverton score a well-executed try helped by some poor defensive reads from Crediton, 15-5.

We answered with a try via a lineout rolling maul, No 8 Ben Wonnacott getting the touch down and at 15-10 we were still in the game.

We had a clear try scoring opportunity as a result of a great backs move but the final pass let us down and it was big opportunity missed.

Our last hope was a last play of the game lineout on the Tiverton five metre line.

They managed to hold our maul up.

Tiverton went home with the points although deprived of a bonus point and we had to settle for a losing bonus point.

Despite being the dominant side, it was simply not our day as happens on occasions but fair play to Tivvy, they took the chances that came their way whereas we did not.

Paul Harris