Totnes Away Match Report

Honiton lost out 31-6 in disappointing fashion in South Devon on Saturday afternoon. The Lacemen could not capitalise on a decent first half performance, and fell by the wayside with a poor second half performance.

In muddy conditions Honiton started brightly. Although they did not acquire possession initially, their defence stood strong, and kept the hosts at bay. The home side coughed up a penalty shortly afterwards and Honiton cleared. The Lacemen played some attractive rugby in the first thirty minutes, and pressurised the home scrimmage throughout the game.

Totnes won a scrum in the middle of the field, but Honiton’s dominance ensured that the scrimmage wheeled, as it did so the alert Norman gathered and raced towards the line from forty yards out. He found the supporting Rice before being hauled down and Honiton promptly moved the ball to the left. Webber found space and touch down, only for the visitors to be hauled back for a forward pass.

However Honiton were on the up and Meadows converted two out of four penalties before the break. In truth Honiton did not really capitalise on the chance and dominance they had, and should have piled on more points in this period. Totnes eventually came back into the game and kicked a penalty before the break.

At half time, the Lacemen were in positive mood and the general consensus in the camp was that the game was there for the taking. However for what ever reason, the Lacemen capitulated in the final quarter as the home side used their bulky pack around the fringes.

In truth the Lacemen’s lineout gave the home side plenty of ball which didn’t help matters, but Honiton really must learn how to strengthen their defensive line against these types of pack, having suffered in similar fashion in Hayle before Christmas.

Totnes ran in three tries to put the Lacemen to bed, and leave the visitors dejected. Next week Honiton face league leaders Bideford at home and their play must improve in both defence and attack. One is left frustrated, as they are not far from being the finished article, so hopefully Saturday will be the day.