Honiton RFC took advantage of an injury-ravaged Withycombe squad to earn a 46-10 victory and exact their revenge after a last-minute in the reverse fixture early in the season.
Playing up the slope in the first half, Honiton were edging the territory and possession early on but were held back by some infringements in the eye of the referee. The deadlock was broken and it was Finn Parrat who forced his way over from short range under the posts, converted by Jake Smith, 7-0 after 14 minutes played.
The home team continued to dominate and Withycombe were unable to seriously threaten the Ton defence in the opening half-hour. Jake Smith knocked over a penalty after Withycombe strayed offside, 10-0 after 35 minutes.
Dom Bernhardt got the next try of the game after a good break from Jake Smith who floated a pass out left. Smith added the extras to extend the lead to 17-0. A penalty conceded from the kick off for holding saw Withycombe register their first points with a Harry Symons’ penalty.
Honiton responded immediately and got another try, this time from Ben Phillips who was in support from a great break by James Coutts Tucker, Smith converted, 24-3.
The Withies started the second half stronger than they finished and scored their first try through Joe Blyth under the posts after they pressurised the home scrum, and Symons converted for 24-10. Withycombe pressed again and were camped on the Honiton try but excellent home defence kept them at bay.
Honiton regained territory and were awarded a penalty, which Smith knocked it over, 27-10. Phil Bennett earned the Ton their bonus point try when he scored wide left, conversion again successfully added by Smith, 34-10.
Scrum half Phil Cooke marked his return to first-team action when was on hand to receive a pass from Ben Phillips after the centre made a fine break on the right. The try was converted for 41-10 with ten minutes remaining.
With the home side overpowering the Withycombe scrum, the backs moved the ball the length of the field with Ben Kidson scoring wide left, the conversion was missed and this proved to be the last action of the match. Final score a resounding 46-10 victory for Honiton.
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