1sts vs Newquay away - Match Report

Honiton fell at the first Devon and Cornwall hurdle on Saturday afternoon, going down 20-16 to Newquay in Cornwall. It was a game the Lacemen handed to the Cornish through basic errors and unnecessary penalties.

Honiton played into the wind in the first half and it quickly became apparent that they would have to run rather than kick their way out of their half.

After conceding three points immediately Honiton kicked into gear and started to run their phases well. The Lacemen had been forced into several changes in the back division by several unavailability’s, but the cohesiveness was good.

However, with the wind, any Honiton errors were punished by the home sides boot, with the number 10 keeping the visitors pinned back. Newquay gathered some momentum through further Honiton errors and when they kicked to the corner things looked ominous. The driving maul was haulted, but Honiton were short on the left hand side of the field, exasperated by Hannay’s sin binning. Newquay crossed in the corner to make it 8-3 before Honiton kicked into gear.

It was clear that the Lacemen were causing Newquay all sorts of problems when they had the ball in hand and ran through several phases. Hyland was orchestrating well from ten, and Honiton soon rattled up field. Selway and Small carried well in the mid-field and when the move arrived at the Newquay posts Moffett burrowed over to draw his side level.

Webber added the extras to put his side ahead at the break. Honiton looked good for the win at half time but they allowed Newquay to come into the game so cheaply in the second period. It was made ones face itch to watch. Webber kicked Honiton ahead several times only for Honiton to be pinned back through handling errors and unnecessary penalties.

It was a stark reminder that there is still work to be done, and games at this level will not be won easily.