Honiton clearly going in right direction, but edged out again, this time by Withycombe

Honiton at home to Withycombe. Photo by Terry Ife. Ref mhsp 1167-05-14TI To order your copy of this photograph go to www.midweekherald.co.uk and click on myphotos24 (Image: Archant)

In a keenly contested affair, the Lacemen couldn’t string together enough possession to put the visitors under sustained pressure in the second half.

The home side started well, and penetrated the green and black defence several times showing enthusiasm and intensity. Both Dalton and Barratt made good breaks to put Honiton just five yards out, and when Hill gathered the ball from the left hand channel he bumped off several defenders to cross to fifteen yards left of the posts. Webber converted well in the strong wind to give Honiton a well deserved seven point lead.

Honiton’s set piece shows signs of improvement, particularly in the lineout; and from this platform the home side worked their way upfield. Youngster Thompson is growing in confidence with each game and he conducted operations well from fly half, kicking sensibly and creating space for others. On such a flurry he found space up the left, before offloading to Ollie Rice who cantered in from ten yards to score in the top left hand corner.

Honiton were twelve points up and good value for it. As half time loomed the home side made a few unforced errors and it gave the visitors territory. With their scrum dominating proceedings they pushed Honiton back over their own line for a vital five point score just before half time.

The Lacemen knew that they had it in them to do the job, but in the second half they just could string enough together to finish off the stubborn Withycombe side who showed little in attack but an effective driving maul. When the away side drew level from a catch and drive effort Honiton reacted well, but basic errors in support play and handling let them down at key times. Channing popped over a three point effort for the visitors to nudge them ahead and the Lacemen couldn’t respond.

Honiton are going in the right direction, but they need to keep working to get the results they need.