Argaum Chiefs dealt with in the first half.

--Honiton v Plymouth Argaum Chiefs by Brendon Finlay

After a weeks lay off the Lacemen were back on the road with a tricky trip down to Plymouth to play Argaum Chiefs. Trips on the road this season haven’t been that good for the Ton and with a couple of changes to personnel at the 11th hour and a few missing from the ranks it wasn’t ideal preparations.

Whilst for once it was a dry day the Chiefs ground it’s a pitch which is very much exposed to the elements and on arrival there was a keen wind blowing off Dartmoor which all goes to making it a very intimidating venue for any visitors and defiantly a difficult venue to be motivated at.

The game started with Honiton receiving the kick and they set about their tasks very well and the first five minutes of play very much saw the Ton set down the marker for the day, with some very aggressive drives and with good retention work, they quickly moved up the field and when Robert Price (Sponsored by DJJM Construction Ltd) crashed over the line for the first score, you could see the home side were left wondering what had just hit them and what was to come. Jake Smith (Sponsored by Will Mayers Construction) under taking kicking duties for the day, missed the first conversion attempt but Honiton were quickly back on the score sheet again when quick thinking from Jonny House (Honiton Freemasons ) saw him tap and go and he ran in Honiton’s second from long range. This time Smith converted. Honiton kept the pressure up in all facets of the game and they were dominant and with the line free out to the left, a deliberate handing offence in the ruck by an Arguam was rewarded with a easy penalty kick for Smith but really the offender should have been carded as a try was clearly prevented by foul play.

Honiton continued in the same vein and next on the score sheet was Harry Wright (sponsored by John The Beard Pearce) who broke blind from the base and with House taking the defence the other way he was able to canter in from 30 metres and Smith converted well. Honiton continued to dominate and Smith got his second converted try of the day off a worked move from a five yard scrumand then just before half time a good break down the left from James Coutes (Sturart Selway construction)and Phil Cooke (Giles Banberger plant hire) released the ball to Smith who crossed out wide for a good team try .
The half time whistle came and reality was, it was a job done with Honiton 34-0 up and by being aggressive, not letting the home side settle, they had blown the opposition away.

With use of the keen breeze Honiton continued in the same vein and a patient build up and “quick hands” from makeshift second rower, Andy Easton he put Price is space and there was no stopping him as he stormed over for his second of the day, again Smith converted. Honiton were then forced into several changes and continuity was defiantly disrupted and to be fair to the home side who had every reason to have given up, came right back into the game and with some uncharacteristic defensive mistakes from the Ton, Argaum’s endeavourers got them on the score sheet for the first time in the game. Honiton bounced back quickly with a well worked try that Will Tyers ( Sponsored by Robers J Tyers Ltd) dotted down after some good interplay from his fellow backs.
This was followed up with a deft kick behind the defence from Alex Brooks (Tracey Estates)which found Jake Smith in space and he gathered and won the run into the line for his hatrick and Honiton’s final score. With 10 minutes still left it was to be fair, Argaum who finished the game well and with a never give up attitude, they got their second deserved try of the game after some patient build ups.

The final score was a resounding 12-53 win for Goulden and his Lacemen which was when all said and done a good win on the road given circumstances and yes, injuries did cause disruption but Honiton’s big plus on the day was the way in which they started the game and they came out of the blocks with all guns firing and their very aggressive approach never let the home side settle. They also dealt well with some dubious decision making well which is often a factor that can rattled sides but today they kept their calm. There was some good performances especially form the back row of Groves (sponsored by Rob Summers) Wright and Rice (sponsored by Ultim8 Construction) and it was good to see him back in action after his 6 week lay off. Big thanks to Tom Churchward (sponsored by Your perfect nights )who stepped in to cover a drop out and also to Veteran Dave Wellington (sponsored by Malcolm Lewis Jones )who had to dig his boots out half hour before the leave time. The man of the match award went to Jake Smith who had a good game and as he was also the stand in kicker for the day and he did well with the duties and he managed to amassed 28 of Honiton points.

It’s now all eyes on next weeks encounter and it’s the big test for Fortress Allhallows where Honiton are unbeaten this season. The Ton will be hosting the divisions unbeaten run away leaders in Plymouth Old Public Oak so advice is book your viewing spot now, it will be busy.