Honiton colts were in great form as they secured another Devon Colts Merit table success with a 24-22 victory at Torquay, writes Paz Parratt.

Torquay started the game, but it was Honiton who opened the scoring when following some quick hands Will Tyers found himself on the end on a long distance run to touch down. Harry Wright’s kick against the swirling wind went wide, but the Lacemen colts were 5-0 up after as many minutes.

With the wind howling along the length of the pitch Honiton were unable to get any depth kicking for territory, and each time the ball was collected and run back in to Honiton’s half. Torquay were able to run in from the wing to put their first score on the board, disappointingly the wind favoured them and a well struck ball found its way over the posts to take them into a narrow 7-5 lead.

A further blow to the Lacemens camp was dealt when a well worked ball was run in by the hosts to move 12-5 up.

Honiton came back well and, but for some terrific home defence would surely have added further tries. However, it was Torquay who scored the only other first half points with a successful penalty to lead 15-5 at the interval.

Honiton have been in a similar half-time position before and, following a reassuring team talk they looked composed at the start of the second half.

When the ball was released the Lacemen’s strike force was unleashed and Charlie Wright taking a brilliant line, found the whitewash under the sticks after breaking through and scattering Torquay’s defence. The conversion was slotted and the home lead was reduced to three points.

Honiton started to grow in confidence and, as the ball was played out from the set piece, Torquay’s defence was tested again and again. Kyle Blackmore received the ball and promptly raced clear to score a try that put the Cockles into the lead at 17-15.

Blackmore crossed again shortly after and the Harry Wright conversion put the young Lacemen into a 24-17 lead.

With the clock ticking down Torquay threw everything they had at a response and they managed to cross once, but that was as good as it got for the home faithful and the Lacemen celebrated a terrific win.

Honiton’s Man of the match was undoubtedly Charlie Wright who’s attack and defence was unequalled

This weekend the team travel to Barnstaple (2.30pm).