So close!

Honiton lost a narrow game against Truro at Allhallows on Saturday by 24 points to 26, in another home game they really could have won. Honiton were in control of the second half playing up the slope, but couldn’t put together a platform from which to make the killer blow.

Playing down the slope in the opening period, Honiton ripped into the visitors and their greater movement around the park was creating difficulties for the Cornishmen. Whilst the game ended in defeat it should be noted that this was again an improved display on what has been seen so far this year, as the Lacemen continue to acclimatize to their new environment.

Meadows exchanged early penalties with his opposite number, before Honiton again found themselves in Cornish territory. Truro punted clear for Cave to gather, he combined well with Canniford and Hyland, and quick ruck ball allowed Coutts-Tucker to progress through the gain line. Some good handling saw skipper Rice dot down under the posts. With the extra’s Honiton were looking good, but couldn’t get the scores they needed to pull further clear. Meadows had a couple of longer range efforts in the first half which went narrowly wide, before Truro began to assert themselves more into the game with their dangerous back row runners.

Even so Honiton still pressed and when Hyland put Canniford in space down the right he looked odds on to score, however some excellent cover tackling not on prevented the score, but also forced Canniford from the game with knee ligament damage.

The visitors won a couple of penalties which they converted, before they scored a fortunate break away try through their number ten.
At 16-10 to the visitors at half time, Honiton knew that they had to dig deep. That’s exactly what they did as they used good pod work to ruck their way up field, with Dalton in particular making some fantastic in roads to the Cornish defence. Soon their good work paid off as Small sneaked over from five yards from a Rice offload.

This was then followed up by a great break, again from Coutts on the outside of the thirteen channel. He fed Thompson who raced over by the posts. With Honiton now 24-19 up, things looked positive, especially given the home side were dominating possession.

As the game entered the final quarter, Truro manufactured a break down the right, which right space on the left. They crossed to grab the lead. However there was still plenty of time left, but although Honiton had another three shots at goal, all were difficult and were subsequently missed.

It was another tough lesson for the Lacemen who must travel to league leaders Bideford next week in their search for a win.