Honiton Colts had to work hard to secure what was a richly deserved 29-22 home victory over Plymstock, writes Paz Parratt.

From the kick-off the visitor’s were quick off the mark and Honiton found themselves under the cosh. The ball was released out to their backs with a good sense of urgency. Honiton defended well and play settled down for an end-to-end game. The first quarter was played with equal share of possession and territory and it was only good defence from both teams that stopped a score. Plymstock broke the deadlock with a well worked passage of play leading to a try, but the conversion was missed.

Honiton replied swiftly as Chris Lynch found himself on the end of a well presented ball 10 metres out and he found a gap to level things up with an unconverted try.

It was Plymstock who struck next to take a 10-5 half-time lead.

The second half served up much of the same with the two teams giving as good as they got.

Plymstock scored again to lead 17-5 and picking up the bonus point in the process.

With sideline encouragement and some stern words from the skipper the Lacemen decided losing was not an option and turned the thumb screws!

Good pressure from the forwards ended with the visitors on the receiving end of a five-metre penalty. Finn Parratt received a crash ball and smashed through to dot down in the corner to bring things a little closer.

From the restart Honiton collected and played the ball wide where Will Tyres chased a well-placed kick. He kept the ball going forward with some good football, and, with perfect weight both he and the ball found the line at the same time to bring the scores even closer.

Ben Kidson tucked away the conversion to level things up at 17-17.

Plymstock regained the lead with a try from a well-worked driving maul.

That stirred a superb response from the Lacemen and parity was quickly restored with Kyle Blackmore crossing to make it 22-22.

At this point Honiton may well have settled for the draw, but not wanting to disappoint, the home side found some reserves and battled on. Will Tyres charged down and chased, where he ran good yards to cross under the posts with minutes to spare. Ben Kidson added the extras to complete the scoring and seal a thrilling 29-22 victory.

The Honiton Man of the Match award went to Callum Nicholas for stepping up and excelling in the daunting task of hooker.