Crediton enjoy progress despite selection issues
CREDITON parked up their selection issues for 80 minutes to run out 33-29 winners over Topsham in a lively Devon Intermediate Cup semi-final first-leg on the Blagdon.
First-team regular Ollie Averywright got married on Saturday and his guest list included a clutch of his teammates.
Stuart Lowe, the Crediton coach, had to re-work the side – and despite numerous changes there was still enough firepower to win the game.
Lowe said: “A number of players were given an opportunity to step up and this made the performance even more pleasing.
“But we have only done half a job and it is set-up perfectly for this Saturday.
“Both teams played some outstanding attacking rugby and I am sure all the support enjoyed the match.”
It really was an end-to end encounter, in which the lead changed hands six times. Crediton were 14-12 up at half time thanks to a try double from centre Josh Woodland and two Josh Davey conversions.
Topsham must have thought they had done enough to win it after going 29-19 up with nine minutes left on the watch. They hadn’t.
Bobby Jenkins strode over for a try, which Josh Davey converted, and there was a second try since coming on for replacement flanker Brady May, who was one of six second teamers in the match-day squad. Davey converted that try too.
“Brady is a year out of colts rugby and is a player with a bright future,” said Lowe.
Topsham’s try scorers were Henry Batty (three), Tom Oxland and Erin Inglis.
Crediton Quins battled back from 29-17 down away to Brixham Crusaders to win 37-34 and reach the final of the Devon Second XV Shield.
The game was won and lost in the final minute when Chris Hooper scored a try to level it at 34-all and Tom Ronchetti knocked over the conversion. The final will take place this Sunday (2.30pm) at Crediton against Topsham II, who will be going for a league and cup double having already won Devon Division Two North & East.
Lowe said: “With players moving up to the first team, this was an outstanding victory.
“The super twos are looking forward to the cup final on Sunday.”