On a rare sunny afternoon, Honiton RFC were too strong for Withycombe in the East Devon derby, racking up an impressive 48-8 victory, writes Justin Nuttall.

Early pressure was turned into points when Rob Price was on the end of some slick handling to score wide right. The conversion was unsuccessful 5-0. The lead was reduced to two points when Honiton were penalised for hands in the ruck, penalty knocked over 5-3 after 15 minutes.

On 30 minutes, the pressure again turned into points when Johnny House scored from short range after great work from the home pack, he converted his own try to increase the lead to 12-3. With half-time approaching, Honiton were awarded a penalty, which House knocked over for 15-3.

George Doughty powered over to reduce the score to 15-8 but that was as good as it got for the Withies. The Ton again camped in the Withy twenty two and James Coutts Tucker broke through the line, Johnny House converted and the lead increased to 22-8.

This quickly moved to 29-8 when Matt Bailey demonstrated the benefits of his new fitness regime to beat several defenders out wide to score, well converted by Johnny House 29-8 and bonus point secured.

Veteran Louis Lane was next to get on the scoresheet when he forced his way over from short range wide right, the conversion drifted wide 34-8.

An interception from Withycombe, against the run of play saw the away side venture into the Honiton twenty two, only for the home defence to turn the ball over to thwart the away attack. The Ton moved the ball up field and Ollie Rice scored close to the posts, converted by Johnny House, 41-8.

On a day for veterans and, in this case, veterinarian Will Goulden broke through the line, finding himself uncomfortably in open space, he passed to the supporting Steve Smart, who in turn returned the pass for the front rower to score for another converted try, 48-8.

This turned out to be the final score of the game, great result for the Ton, tough one for Withies.