Honiton 1st XV beat Liskeard Looe 48-17 to remain second in the Devon and Cornwall league. In truth the score line flattered the home side somewhat as they only truly pulled away in the last 10 minutes with some sterling running rugby, writes Nick Guilbert.

The Lacemen played up the slope in the first half, having received the kick off, but the Cornish, who have only won one game this season, created the early pressure. Honiton have been killing themselves with penalties this season, and when a counter ruck was perceived to be a dive over the top, they were soon defending club house corner. The Cornish stretched the Lacemen into the middle, and moved back to the Clubhouse corner, finally being hauled down five yards out. However a quick pick and go saw them score in the corner.

Honiton were a little shocked but Liskeard have always been a tough physical side and they maintained a healthy level of aggression all the way through the game. Honiton struggled to get going all day, and really that was due to the lack of quality set piece ball. The scrummage was under pressure and the lineout suffered difficulties.

However, when the Lacemen did have quality ball they did look dangerous. Their ball handling and running lines open defences and very rarely do players get isolated. This is due to good support play, and the willingness of all team members to buy into the concept of 15 man rugby.

Decent touch kicking gave Honiton field position. Dalton rumbled up the left, before Canniford carried in the midfield with Small recycling well on his return to first team action. Rice few Webber and Honiton scored in the top right hand corner.

Man of the match Hyland carried well all day and he was re-warded with a try in each half. The first came as he carried from just inside the 22 and hit contact ten metres out. He was held up but was pushed on by his colleagues. A solid leg drive saw him cross from the line 15 yards right of the posts.

Coutts grabbed one before the break as Honiton led 17-5 at the turnaround.

Ollie Rice picked up a sneaky interception from the re-start following an excellent kick off from Hyland. Channing converted.

Honiton had intended to turn up the wick but again unnecessary penalties hurt the Lacemen and needless back chat saw Kenny sin binned.

Honiton found themselves under the cosh, and Liskeard showed their potential by running hard at the Lacemen. They scored a couple of tries to put themselves with a chance, but tries from Dalton, Cave, Channing and Hyland put the game beyond doubt as Honiton turned on the class as the Cornish tired.