Honiton Rugby Club enjoyed a happy weekend in the sunshine after an engrossing 35-26 victory over Devonport Services 2nds. 

The weather was glorious for this rearranged fixture, all the ingredients were in place for a cracking encounter and the players delivered with an evenly-match contest. 

Devonport enjoyed the early momentum, winning a penalty for an infringement at the ruck but the Ton defended the situation, Phil Cook clearing the pressure with a hoof up field. The Services came back and this worked a clever move for their full-back to score under the posts, although the conversion was squirted wide. 

The Ton responded with a patient set pf phases, halted by a knock-on when close to the line. The next foray proved more successful, as Jake Smith picked up a deft pass and dotted down. Dom Lovesy notched the kick for a 7-5 lead. 

Unfortunately, a Honiton error immediately gifted the advantage back to Devonport, who scored a converted try midway through the first period. A Lovesy penalty reduced the arrears to 10-12.  

The Ton were then in a great position from a Johnny House 50-20 kick but the visitors intercepted the subsequent drive and ran the length of the field for a third try. A rollercoaster first period concluded with Rob Price scoring out wide and the Ton trailed 15-19. 

The half-time regroup worked nicely for the home side, as Smith and Ben Phillips released Price for his second try of the game. Honiton were now in the ascendancy and they took advantage of the momentum, Finn Parratt finding the gap for an excellent line break and Ben Spence picked up the pieces to score. 

Devonport had no answer to the Ton pressure, as a 27-19 home lead was extended further by a Lovesy penalty. The next score was a cracker, Lovesy taking possession of a Smith pass to score on the wing. 

Honiton finally relented with Price sent to the bin for hands in the ruck and Devonport drove over the line for a converted try. Thankfully, the Ton had done enough and, despite being a man down, held on for a terrific 35-26 victory. It was an afternoon of pure entertainment at Allhallows and a performance that should give the Ton confidence for challenges ahead.