vs Totnes away match report

Honiton held on to top spot in the Devon and Cornwall league on Saturday afternoon with a resounding 47-13 win over Totnes in South Devon. Most Lacemen supporters were predicting a hard game, against a side they have not beaten away for some time, but Honiton dominated the game with a controlled performance.

With rain starting to fall during the warm up and at the beginning of the game the conditions were looking to favour the home side. However it was the away side who dominated from the outset. Having received the kick off, Honiton gathered and pumped the ball long, but soon recovered the ball and started applying pressure. Thursday training focused on scrimmaging for the forwards, and session paid dividends as the set piece was strong. The Lacemen held their own in the scrummage, and tired their opponents in the loose. Having won a penalty down the left hand channel they kicked to the corner. A catch and drive went in field, and Kenny used the space to sprint to the touch line and barge his way over for a score that Channing converted.

Honiton pushed on again, and from a lineout on the left hand side, twenty yards into the Totnes half they elected to go wide. The ball found its way to Pearce who stepped off his right foot in devastating fashion to break the gain line. Working his way from right to left, he then drew the full back before stepping again to cross under the posts to finish a decent solo effort. Channing knocked over the extra’s.

Totnes are a decent side particularly at home, and they found some momentum following Honiton infringements at the ruck area with Hannay and then Guilbert frolicking in circumstances deemed inappropriate. Totnes knocked over three, before Honiton rallied.

With the ball in the right hand channel Pearce grubbered long from the ten yard line, the full back gathered initially before loosing the greasy ball, he re-gathered but conceded the scrum. Honiton’s platform was solid, and nice little walk tied in the home sides forwards. A set move in the backs gave Barrett a one on one seven yards out and he backed himself, as he had done the week before to grab his first of the afternoon.

Honiton had to withstand some serious pressure before half time with several scrums and line outs conducted close to the away sides line. It was key that Honiton kept Totnes out, and they did.

Honiton were delighted with their efforts at half time, and furthermore they looked in good shape, with most members of the side looking like they could go another 80 minutes, let alone the 40 required.

Totnes were bound to come out firing in the second period, and they did make more of a game of it. However it was Honiton who scored first with decent ball giving Barratt open space down the right, he easily shrugged off a defender before dotting down. Channing scored himself from eight yards as Honiton made the game safe with another seven point score.

Totnes rallied and did break Honiton down outwide, but Barratt completed his hatrick to compensate.

By this stage the Honiton pack were dominant in the scrummage and following the re-start they packed down again as the kick failed to go the required ten. The hit was good, and Totnes were marching backwards. Cheers of ‘now we’re skittling’ could be heard from the second row as the soul was driven out of the Totnes pack. Rice picked from eight and fended off several players in a Bralsford esque fashion to score from forty yards. Channing converting.

The game totally opened up as the game entered the last ten, and although the home side did score once more, the writing was already on the wall.

Honiton entertain newly promoted Veor at Allhallows next week as they hope to continue their solid start to the season.