Crediton 17 Keynsham 8

The lads traveled to North Devon and found the ground in great condition and the game was played in splendid weather, sunshine and very little breeze. Both sides showed every willingness to produce open, flowing rugby and the pace seldom dropped, ensuring that the large crowd were entertained throughout. That said, what must follow, is that the quality of the game did not match the intentions. Both sides were guilty of over elaboration and failure to retain possession and, consequently, neither team were able to build any pressure on the other.

10 minutes into the game 2 successive off-side penalties gave Ollie Conybeare a chance of a pop at goal which he gratefully accepted to take the lead. By this stage too the Keynsham scrum was already showing signs of creaking and the seeds had been sown for what was to be a torrid afternoons’ set pieces. Dan Moody retired with a blood injury on the 30-minute mark and was substituted by Josh Clayfield. By the time he returned at the start of the second half Crediton had edged 3 points clear courtesy of two fine penalties by Ollie Avery-Wright.

Keynsham started the second half looking like a totally re-galvanised side and were soon within striking distance of the line however, a driving maul was turned over and play returned far upfield. With 10 minutes gone Cieran Chester intercepted on his own 10-metre line and shot off. He was clobbered by the cover tackler but, 3 phases later right wing, Marlon Dropsy, scored in the corner to edge Keynsham in front; Conybeare’s conversion missed. Shortly thereafter Jake Warren and Kieran Etheridge replaced Ash Linton and Sam Crabbe. Crediton regained the lead through a super try from Ed Brady, unconverted, and minutes later a well hit penalty from Conybeare hit the upright and bounced back. This was to prove to be their last chance and to add to their woes they failed to hang on to a losing bonus point thanks to a drop goal and penalty from Avery-Wright. Final score 17-8.