Honiton Colts 12, Exeter Chiefs Colts 38 Honiton Colts produced a good all-round performance before going down to the visiting Chiefs, writes Paz Parratt

With Exeter playing a full squad of predominantly senior colts it was always going to be a tough match, and with Honiton loosing the toss the visitors choose to play down the Allhallows slope.

For the first 10 minutes or so things looked good and on an even keel. Possession and territory were equal, it was however the more experienced visitors who managed to collect the first score following some useful mauling.

Honiton regrouped but disappointingly Exeter were able to run in two more converted tries in the first half.

Honiton battled hard and as a result injuries started to creep in and whilst Exeter were able to field fresh legs at regular intervals, Honiton simple run out of players. However from the restart things looked to be in more control as Honiton played the slope, Johnny House was able to collect a quick ball and weave his way through to put the Laceman’s first points on the board shortly after the beginning of the second half.

Harry Wright slotted the post to bring the scores a little close. Unfortunately Exeter again answered and was able to use the driving mauls to full advantage crossing the line a further two times, some text book rugby from the home side saw Robin Bennett cross the line on the left wing to bring the Honiton’s count to 12.

Honiton dug deep but could not breech the defence and as a result were kept away from any further points Exeter were unfortunately able to cross the white wash for the final time putting the game out of reach, closing the game 38-12.

Honiton colts played some good rugby from all over the park and with a little more experience the game may well have been a different score.