1st XV
Matches
Sat 16 Dec 2017  ·  Tribute Cornwall Devon
Honiton RFC
1st XV
Tries: A Thompson (2), N Hannay (2)Conversions: O Cave (4)Yellow Carded: O Cave
28
12
Wessex
Honiton notch up a Christmas win against Wessex

Honiton notch up a Christmas win against Wessex

Alan Freemantle18 Dec 2017 - 08:33
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Honiton get a bonus point win in front of a large Christmas crowd

Honiton played their final match of 2017 against Exeter based Wessex and this game marks the first of the “return” matches as the season moves into it’s second half. In the first game back in September, Honiton dished out a pasting to their visitors and really they have struggled to gain a foot hold in the league having gained promotion from last year. However in recent weeks they have seen a marked improvement in their performances and with the addition of a few new players and conditions on pitches tougher this was a different proposition.

Honiton got of to a good start and playing down the Allhallows slope they were soon in control and following several passages of play the ball was released to the backs and number 10 Adam Thompson cruise through a gap for the first score on the eight minute mark. Ollie Cave added the extras. From the restart Honiton worked their way back to the half way line and looked like sweeping down filed as the ball was swung along the backs but disaster struck, a pass was intercepted and very much against the run of play, Wessex cantered in for a converted try. Honiton rallied and for the remainder of the half had much of the posession and territorial advantage. Eventually the pressure told and Player coach Nathan Hannay crossed from close range. This was soon follwed by another score for Thompson who crossed in similar fashion to his first, Cave slotted both conversions and Honiton were looking comfortablely in control and bar some pluckly defense they were denied at least a couple more scores before half time.

It was then Honitons turn to play up the field and to be fair Wessex really got them selves back into the game and with an early converted try and a score line of 21-12, the Lacemen started to look over their shoulder. Despite this Honiton defended but for the first 25 minutes they struggled to make any in roads in to the oppositions half. However, as with previous weeks moving into the last quarter they changed gear, got the belief back and got themselves back on top and they went close on several occasions and unfortunatley they were guitly of dropping passes at crutial moments and this factor plaged some of their attacks. However with five minutes to go a sustained attack including several infringements by the home side saw Honiton plug away with pick and goes and again it was Hannay who crosed for his brace and the bonus point try. Cave again slotted the conversion for another 100% kicking performance.

So finishing 28-12 up Honiton had done the job but it wasn’t easy and was a tough encounter against an oposition who were much improved from the beginning of the season. For Honiton they did look dangerous on numerous occasions and had they been more clinical especial in the first half with the slope advantage, they possibly could have won at a canter and were perhaps guilty of taking their foot of the neck of the oppsition, which allowed them to gain a foot hold in the game and grow in confidence. Admittedly condition were very tricky and adding rain into the mud bath meant the ball was also diffcult to handle a factor which is often forgotten by an expectant crowd. There were some solid performance all round but pick of bunch was young Harry Wright who made some bone shaking defensive taclkes and carried well.

Honiton go into the New year in fine fetal and their half term report has to be seen as very good. They must be pleased with this campaigne as they are tucked nicely in at fouth place but they are behind a stiff set of three who keep winning. Honiton do have some difficult away trips to contend with for sure and must work on consistantcy especially when going away and definatly keep up what are, good fitness levels which given how well they have finished games is obviously important.

Honiton restart league action on the 6th Jan with a difficult trip down to Bude so hopefully they will use the break wisely to maintain their fitness levels.

Match details

Match date

Sat 16 Dec 2017

Kickoff

14:30

Meet time

13:00

Instructions

Forwards Please meet 12.30

Competition

Tribute Cornwall Devon

League position

4
Honiton
13
Wessex
Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

Club Sponsor - Alexander Paul Kitchens
Club Sponsor - B! Health and Fitness
Senior Kit Sponsor - Otter Brewery
Senior Kit Sponsor - Synergy Farm Health
Senior Kit Sponsor - Jewsons
Senior Kit Sponsor - Westcotts
Senior Kit Sponsor - everys solicitors
Senior Kit Sponsor - Ultim8 Construction
Club Sponsor - Combe Farm Shop