First game against St Ives ends in defeat

Honiton v St Ives

Honiton entertained St Ives for the first time in their history. The Devon and Cornwall league does involve a lot of traveling and setting of at 10.30 the Cornish side still managed to arrive late because of traffic problems and the kick off was delayed by 10 minutes. St Ives have got off to a good start winning the first two games well with maximum bonus points in both. Honiton in contrast have had a difficult start losing both of their opening game so this was always going to a tough game for them.

With St Ives taking first advantage of the Allhallows slope they were quickly into their stride with good carries and it was clear their big forward base would cause problems for Honiton. It was Honiton who were first on the score sheet when Ben Webber slotted an early penalty on five minutes. However from that point on, the first half was really all the visitors. Their very strong set of forwards made in roads and they scored four unanswered tries which were all converted. Webber got a consolation penalty just before the break but St Ives would have been happy with their half’s work as they were a comfortable 28-6 points up.

Credit to Honiton they dug deep and with the slope advantage they got back into the game and an early good passage of play saw the defence stretched and it was Josh Rice who crossed for the score. Webber didn’t convert but knocked over a penalty shortly afterwards. St Ives were rattled and with one of their lumpy forwards sin binned Honiton’s tails were up. The St Ives kicker did pull back a penalty but again some good attacking play and a patient build up saw Phil Bennet score for Honiton and with Webber converting Honiton were back within ten points at 31-21. St Ives are clearly a good outfit and they rallied and steady the ship with a try of their own and with Webber and their kicker trading penalties the final score was 39-24.

Despite the loss the Lacemen did play their part in a good game of rugby. They will rue the first half performance and the unforced errors but there is plenty to work on. The lineouts worked well and there is no panic in the camp at this stage as things are starting to click . The return of man of the match josh rice bolstered the forwards and some with work on ball retention during this weeks training and a full squad to pick from Honiton hope to go to Bodmin confident of getting their first league points.

Next Saturday following the success of the opening days world cup game at the club, Honiton will be open to show the vital clash against Wales at 8pm next Saturday. Non- member are welcome to come and join in the atmosphere and cheer England on whilst enjoying a glass of ale