Match Preview

Like the script of a Hollywood drama, It’s going down to the wire in South West 1 West!

When I first saw the fixtures list, way back in June 21, I thought ‘I wonder how important the Devonport Services last game of the season will be?’. I also thought ‘blooming good game for the 2022 Ale, Cider and Gin Festival to be based around’….and I think I might now be right on both counts.

First up though, we have to travel to our friends at Crediton, Devon. It was my first away trip when joining the club, back in, I think 2016. We travelled by train and the hosting up there was amazing, but as I recall the result very forgettable!

Crediton have experienced mixed fortunes this season. They currently reside in 9th place on 43 points. They have played 23 fixtures of which 9 were wins (one being a HWO) and 14 defeats (one where they gave a HWO). They have amassed 393 points whilst shipping 524. That gives them a points difference of -131.

In comparison the Saints have played 22 games, winning so far 16 and losing 6. In achieving that, they have scored 634 points and conceded 321 (The only team with a better defensive figure in the league is Lydney on 319 conceded), giving us a points difference of 313.

Out of interest, Saints, in previous seasons, have scored 654 in the doomed 19/20 season, 597 in 18/19, and 598 in the year before that. Having looked back even further but not wanting to bore you with a list, this season has the potential to be the highest points scored since the 2013/14 season in SW1W when the Saints racked up a mighty 822 points!

Crediton definitely have the ability to surprise!

They beat Devonport services at home 18-17. They sweated Chew Valley at home, only losing by 3, beat Newent away with a decent margin and only last Saturday beat Sidmouth away 35-39. Some of those results do not tally with a team sitting, comfortably, it should be noted, in 9th so late in the season. They were always highly competitive and motivated when we have visited them in the Western Counties league and I’m not expecting that to change for this trip. They can achieve a great deal in front of what is usually a sizeable and supportive home crowd.

The Saints squad, as most of you will know, last week, played 240+ minutes of either level 6 and/or cup rugby in 8 days. The toll was starting to be noticeable for a while on Saturday until they dug, almost impossibly, even deeper into the dwindling reserves, rejuvenated by a Chris Ashwin try that started on the 10m line, to find the energy to defeat an impressive Chew Valley team.

Those 8 days will stick in the memory for a number of reasons. The 8 days began with a coach trip to Bridgwater. With a few changes made, clearly with one eye on the cup tie to follow, the game unfolded. I have to say that Bridgwater played well and they punished us with a defeat that went against form. We had out chances but they went begging and all praise to our hosts. We then moved swiftly onto the Wednesday Cornwall Cup semi-final, and Wadebridge Camels. Again, some squad shuffling occurred and we squeaked it, but didn’t Wadebridge play well? It was an awesome advertisement for Cornwall rugby, watched by the President and Chair of the CRFU and a few through the fingers of the hands covering their faces! It went our way but boy it was close.

Following all the above, and If you had any finger nails left, the Saints v Chew Valley game would have reduced them to the quick. Saints took that one 31-27 but the game was still a furious battle until the final whistle. Each game takes a small chunk out of you physically and mentally; that’s why we don’t play it all year around. Let’s hope the Saints can get those legs and minds recovered in time for the next batch of ‘must win’ games!

This is going to be a great game to watch so why not join us? The coach leaves Tregorrick at 11:15AM. Al Cummins is taking requests for seats. You can message him on Facebook or text/call him on 07902 216417. Seats are £10 per person and everyone is welcome to come along.

If you can’t make the bus, the game is being livestreamed by Graham Walker from Crediton, in the main bar at Tregorrick. It’s also the Colts Finals Day so you could come early to watch St Austell v Truro at 1030 then stick around to watch the other 3 games and the Saints on the big TV. Bar and hot food from the kitchen available all day.

Eyes down for more excitement, raised pulses and the game we all love!

Ian Grantham