Newton Abbot 21 - Crediton 73

FOR their last league game of 2024 on December 21, Crediton RFC First Team travelled to bottom of the table Newton Abbot, looking to build on an unbeaten run for December.

Straight from kick off we showed our intent, attacking Newton Abbot and were awarded an early penalty which was kicked into the corner.

We won our line out and then moved the ball through their backs to centre Kev Dennis who hit a gap in the Newton defensive line to go over for the games first try with only a few minutes on the clock. OAW adding the extras.

Within minutes, the score was doubled, winning scrum ball just inside the Newton half the backs once again ran one of their training ground moves with winger Josh Hall coming off of his wing to join the line and create an overlap to go over for a try, OAW converting again.

Within 15 minutes on the clock, try number three came with pressure on the home defence, and it was flanker Matt Arnold who charged down an exit kick by the Newton defender, and then regathered the ball before passing inside to Kev Dennis, who went over for his second try of the afternoon to which OAW added his third conversion of the day.

The Newton defence were finding it difficult to cope with our backs in attacking mode and who were being fed a stream of good possession by a dominant pack, and on 17 minutes Crediton scored their fourth try.

Quick recycled ball was swiftly moved through the backs and a long miss-pass, cutting out the last Newton defender found winger Josh Woodland who ran in for a try. OAW maintaining his 100 per cent success rate from the tee.

By now it was clear that, unless the home side could find a means of containing the constant flow of attacks, this was going to be something of a rout and on 23 minutes it was the turn of the forwards to get in on the score sheet.

Winger Josh Woodland made a strong line break through the Newton defence before being stopped just short of the line, but flanker Matt Arnold who was up in support picked up the loose ball to touch down for a try. OAW making it a seven pointer.

On 28 minutes we scored the sixth try of the afternoon. Winning good line out ball, the pack then created a strong driving maul before recycling to the backs who played another set play to create an overlap for winger Josh Woodland to go over for his second try of the afternoon, which went unconverted.

With half time looming, we scored the seventh try. Good interplay by the backs saw centre Kev Dennis hitting the line at pace and on a good angle to go over and complete his hat-trick. OAW adding the extras for an interval lead of 47.

Although the game was more or less over as a contest, Newton Abbot started the second half with a lot more physicality and commitment, presumably some harsh words had been said during the break.

Within minutes of the restart they finally got on the scoreboard. Attacking deep in our half the Newton players looked after the ball well, going through multiple phases of play before forcing their way over the line for a con verted try.

We were not being given the space that we enjoyed in the first half and were being made to go through numerous defensive sets by the Newton Abbot attack.

However, 15 minutes into the second half we got our eighth try of the afternoon, albeit against the run of play.

We turned over possession in the home half and quickly set the backs running and making ground deep into the Newton half. Keeping the ball alive well No 8 Jake Clarke ran a good line to split the Newton defence to go over for a try. OAW adding the extras.

Newton hit right back and within two minutes and gained their second try, retaining possession and with some good phases of play deep in our half, before a strong line break, split the our defensive line to go over for a converted try.

We regrouped and took play back deep into the home half. It was now our turn to create several phases of play drawing in the Newton defenders, before replacement Luke Mingo forced his way over for a try, OAW converting once again. We then seemed to raise the tempo making life difficult for the hosts just as we had in the first 40 minutes.

On 24 minutes into the second half, we scored try number 10 after quick ruck ball gave the backs a good attacking platform and full back Josh Davey ran onto the ball at pace, shrugging off two defenders before touching down for a try which went unconverted.

With 10 minutes remaining, we bagged try number 11 when a home clearance was fielded in his own half by Josh Woodland who then returned the ball with a kick deep into the Newton half.

The Newton defenders allowed the ball to bounce and it was gratefully gathered by centre Kev Dennis who made good ground before putting winger Josh Hall away to go over for his second try of the afternoon. OAW adding the additional two points.

With the final play of the game Newton got their third try of the afternoon. Playing deep in our half the Newton backs exploited a gap in the Crediton defensive line to go over for a converted try.

This was a very comprehensive display by the Crediton players, with forwards and backs linking well to play what is termed “Total Rugby”, with every player working hard for each other, and each player showing a variety of skills during different aspects of play.

It was also pleasing to see how seamlessly the second team players have slotted into the first team, after stepping up to replace several first team absentees a true indication of the work being done on the training ground.

The December block of games has seen Crediton win all three, with a points haul of 161 for and 45 against, over the three games, a tremendous way to go into the Christmas and New Year break.

Paul Harris