Honiton Colts battled to a fine 26-10 success over Cullompton in what proved to be the sides toughest outing to date this season, writes Paz Parrott.

Honiton made a confident start and, following some good initial phases skipper Harry Wright was able to break though and dot down with an out reached arm to open the scoring.

This should have been the green light to rack up the points but Cullompton kept their heads and fought back. They were able to disrupt the Lacemen and the home side started to look dangerous in their attack. They pressed hard in the Honitons 22, knocking on their door on more than one occasion. With the constant onslaught of pressure Honiton struggled and their composure was lost, enabling Cullompton to hit back with a penalty.

Honiton clearly looked uneasy, and chose to slow down the game in order to settle things. Once regrouped the game flowed better and Charlie Wright was able to collect from a close pass and run in from the 22 and a Ross Oaten conversion made it 12-3.

Cullompton stepped up a gear and playing quickly around the park overlaps were created. From these they were able to cross in the corner and the conversion saw Honiton into the break with a narrow 12-10 lead.

After the break the Lacemen found a new gear and began to exact dominance at set pieces with clean ball presented well to the backs. Charlie Wright was again able to take a quick offload from a good line and broke though to cross under the sticks and Oaten converted.

Cullompton never looked out of the game and were able to attack well with quick ball on numerous occasions, it was only the sturdy defence that stopped them breeching the Lacemen’s line for a second time. Honiton dug in and, after sustained pressure Harry Wright struck the final blow as he crashed through for the final try of the game.