Honiton save blushes with a good second half performance.

On Saturday Honiton entertained high flying Crediton in their latest league fixture. The Mid Devon side are second in the league but on the same points as pace setters Saltash so for them, every game is a must win encounter. With this in mind and the Lacemen currently struggling to find any form this was always going to be a tough encounter.

With the form book against them, Honiton started with intent and playing up the infamous Allhallows slope for the first ten minutes they took the game to their visitors and they competed well but soon after whilst in a very good attacking position they lost possession of the ball and with in 30 seconds they were back behind their line as the visitor had scored a well worked try. They added to this almost straight away when a defensive error gifted them their second try which was converted. With Honiton's confidence battered Crediton showed no mercy and every mistake was punished and by the time half time came around there were three further tries down and a score line of 32-0 looked rather embarrassing. In reality Honiton had not played badly but had bummed into a ruthless well organised out fit who punished any mistakes.

Shell shocked, Honiton had to re-group quickly as they were staring down the barrel of a stuffing but with use of the slope they dug deep and instead of things going wrong they started to get the rub of the green and with a more patient build ups, attacks made inroads. Honiton were soon rewarded when Andy Canniford crashed over out wide after a good passage of play. After this score the general pattern of the half was Honiton attacking with the lions share of possession and they seemed to get stronger as the half went on. Credition to give them their dues were solid in defence and with a very strong boot from their fullback Honiton were held at bay but in the final five minutes Honiton efforts were rewarded again when Stefan Archer crashed over.

So instead of a "kicking" Honiton actually won the second half and salvaged some pride in what was an inevitable defeat by 32-10. There was some praise for the visitors around the turn around Honiton managed and there was some good individual performances from the Lacemen. Josh Rice was singled as the Lacemens man of the match but all round there is much work to do and next weeks home game against fellow strugglers Exeter Saracens is clearly going to be a crucial encounter and any support will be greatly appreciated.

Finally i would just like to say a big thanks to he 15 or so Crediton supporters who made a day of thier visit by catching the train up. They drank lots of our beer and gave us a health bar take. They were polite in victory, good to chat with lots of harsh but friendly banter and it just reminded me of how rugby used to be years ago! Well done chaps credit to your club!