Honiton were good value for a 23-8 home success over Hayle on Saturday, writes Roger Dance.

A large Allhallows crowd was boosted by the club’s Under-10 and Under-11 teams who provided a guard-of-honour for the Lacemen prior to kick-off.

After a depressing run of three defeats this was a classic mid-table clash that that was a ‘must win’ game for the home side.

The Lacemen were swiftly into their stride with all guns blazing and looked as if they plenty of desire to get the job done!

Playing against the Allhallows slope the first passages of play were all Honiton and, having swept up the field with several well worked phases of possessions, they were rewarded with a rumble over the line with prop Will Goulden the try scorer. However, it was soon 5-3 with the Cornish side replying with a successful kick.

The game then ebbed and flowed and produced chances at either end. Ben Webber slotted a penalty and a good jinking run from James Coutes saw him score a converted try to put Honiton well in the driving seat.

Honiton could, indeed should, have put the game to bed in this first half as there were also three kickable penalties missed. Despite this Honiton did look in command as they went into the break 15-3 to the good knowing they would return with the slope in their favour!

The second half though, was one of much frustration for Honiton as they spent long periods of time camped in the visitors half, but just could not get across the whitewash.

What’s more, to add to the home frustration, Hayle broke out and dotted down a try to make life uncomfortable for the Lacemen. However, Webber steadied the ship with a penalty and as the game drew to a close player-coach Hannay crashed over to make the game safe at 23-8.

This was a good game of rugby to watch and several of the men on show impressed, none more so than Robert Price who picked up the Honiton Man of the Match award for his al-round graft.

One disappointment was that with the performance much better than of late, given the amount of possession they enjoyed, the Lacemen ought to have banked the try bonus point. They didn’t and in a season that was always going be tough a ‘win is a win’ and the club orders are to keep plugging away and hang in there.