Exmouth 25 - 0 Credition

A great start to 2009 saw Exmouth Colts get back to winning ways after a difficult fortnight when injury and holidays took its toll.  After losing their last two games, against Barnstaple and then Sidmouth this was just the tonic needed to build team confidence with several players’ still carrying injuries.

This was a classic team performance with everyone playing for each other and this was clearly seen on their faces when the full time whistle blew – an exhilarating team performance. 

The scoring started 10 minutes into the game when Crediton were playing open rugby close to their line that led to Joe Parkin opening the score board with a try in the corner. A knock-on gave the Cockles an advantage and the scrum half receive an offload to break down the wing to go over. A missed conversion kept the score at 5-0 to Exmouth.

Another try, minutes later, showed the power this Exmouth team can deliver in loose play. Having provided a solid platform the ball was released to the backs.  After several controlled phases Adam Morris received the ball and took the opportunity well to score a deserved try.  Shaun Fayter added the extras from under the posts to increase the lead to 12-0.

Exmouth showed variety in their game play by using their strengths in both the backline and pack to quash out several threats by Crediton.  The Crediton team contributed to a great spectacle but could not break the Exmouth line.

As their confidence grew the Exmouth team enjoyed long periods of possession and this allowed fly-half Fayter to convert a drop kick to add an extra three points.

Crediton continue to provide tough opposition and only some exceptional defensive cover tackling and defensive work saw Exmouth clear their lines and push Crediton back empty handed. Shaun Fayter converted a penalty kick – Exmouth were now eighteen points ahead. 

Crediton once again dug deep into their reserves and from a well worked lineout move they put Exmouth under pressure in their own 22 – pushing closer for what would have been a deserved score. 

However man of the match, Grant Vaughan-Atkins, had other ideas.  He wrestled the ball and broke through at the maul making several yards before cleanly offloading. With quick hands and brilliant decision making, the backline were clinical and put the game beyond Crediton with full back, Lloyd Murrin joining the line. He jinked and stepped his way through the defence to cross wide out but had the presence of mind to ground beneath the posts.  Shaun Fayter added the conversion making the final score 25-0 to a jubilant Exmouth side.

The score line does not reflect the contribution and pressure this Crediton side provided.  They never gave up and could easily have bagged a couple of tries themselves.  Judging by this performance they are a team to watch, and will certainly be in the reckoning at the end of the season.  Also the referee allowed play to flow and made sure that both teams enjoyed the game.

A great start to 2009 with a 25-0 win has put Exmouth back on track and in the right mind-set to round of the season just as they started.