Honiton 2nd XV claimed a notable scalp as they won 27-12 against table-topping Torquay 2nds.

Torquay made a powerful start and enjoyed the majority of the possession and, with strong hard running, they used the slope advantage well. There was a strong cross wind blowing and, having defended well, a long kick from Ross Oaten loosened the vice like grip and Honiton started to play on the front foot.

The Lacemen were dealt a blow on 25 minutes, forced into a reshuffle in the front row as Laurence Oaten had to go off injured and Barry Hawkins manfully step up to shore up the gap.

Honiton’s Matthew Bailey broke the deadlock when he crashed through the defence after a good turn over work from the hard working Austin Elliot. Oaten added the extras.

Torquay are top for a reason and they bounced back straight away with a well-worked try out wide. Honiton then knocked over a penalty, but just before the break, the visitors scored again and took a slender 12-10 lead into the break.

Honiton had the slope advantage in the second half and this enabled them to stamp their authority on proceedings.

The midfield looked dangerous every time they got the ball and the backs carried a threat every time they were called into action.

On 55 minutes the hard-working pack found Ross Oaten and he skipped his way home from his own half to score a fine individual try.

Honiton threw everything at the opposition and, with fresh legs being introduced from the bench, they scored again courtesy of a good break and second try for the impressive Oaten. Back came Torquay, but Honiton weathered the storm and then turned the screw themselves to finish the game much the stronger of the two sides.

Oaten rounded of a great afternoon by scoring his third try of the day to round things off.

This was a great game to watch and a brilliant team effort by the Lacemen. Back row due of Austin Elliot and Rory Smith were singled out for their tireless work, but a 22 point haul by Oaten saw him rightly named Man of the Match.

The 27-12 score line against a strong side was a great win and a real positive in what has been a difficult start to the season.