Many of you will fondly remember Geoff from his teaching days. Geoff was Captain at Crediton RFC and coached both seniors and juniors at Teignmouth RFC and therefore the Teignmouth V Crediton matches was a natural choice for the Memorial Cup. So far it has been awarded to Crediton at each match and with Crediton being 2nd in the league it was set to be a tough match for Teignmouth.
An early scrum gave Teigns an advantage and they kicked to touch. Teigns won their line-out and displayed great handling. They gained a 2nd line-out which they lost but quickly won back possession. The ball went out to Colthart who scored for an early lead, 5-0.
Crediton quickly came back and the ball went loose on the wing. Teigns defended well and prevented a try, however possession was still with Crediton and they found a gap to score a converted try, 5-7.
Crediton’s advantage meant they kicked to touch for a line-out which they won. Teigns stole the ball, Hellier made a break on the wing and gained territory. A Crediton line-out was won but Teigns stole the ball. Great handling followed and Mayne made a break, passed to Dowrick who scored putting Teigns back in the lead, 10-7.
Ford made a break and was looking for the pass. A penalty to Crediton followed and they kicked for touch but missed. The ball was lost again to Crediton who kicked. Possession went between teams with a series of kicks which resulted in a line-out for Crediton, which was won and a maul was formed which gained Crediton the advantage. Crediton were pushing up, but Teign’s defence held well with an attempt at a try being held up over the line. Back to the advantage, out to wing and Crediton scored, 10-12.
The teams appeared evenly matched with Crediton wining a line-out, then Teigns gaining possession, Teigns wining a scrum and the Teigns gaining a penalty from a scrum. Mayne kicked for posts to bring the score to 13-12. Another series of kicks followed with Atkinson showing great kicking skills and Parsons (Captain) showing great pressure which took us to half time with Teigns in the lead.
With everything to play for Crediton quickly gained possession and put on the pressure. Great defence was seen by Teigns when they held up a try attempt over the line. A goal line drop out put Crediton back in possession and Teign’s defensive game continued. A yellow card went against Teigns and a penalty gave them the opportunity for posts and Crediton took the lead, 13-15.
When Teigns won their line-out Force made a break and passed to Henderson in Crediton’s 22 but the opportunity was lost to a penalty. Another penalty for a high tackle for Crediton gave them another shot at posts, 13-18. Crediton then quickly took back possession and followed this with another try, 13-23.
Teigns came back fighting and after a series of line-outs that helped to gain territory we saw another try for Teigns by Captain Parsons, converted by Mayne, 20-23. It was still anyone’s game but with 10 minutes to go Crediton scored again, 20-28.
Teigns won their line-out and gained an advantage so kicked for line-out in home corner. Line-out won and maul created. Penalty awarded to Crediton. A Crediton scrum with minutes to go resulted in penalty to Teigns who went for another line-out in home corner. We saw a repeat of a maul which this time was successful with another try for Captain Parsons, converted by Mayne giving a final score 27-28.
Player of Match was awarded to Dan Force (sponsored by Top Marks Driving School).
⬛️⬜️?