Honiton returned to East Devon after a 10-6 defeat at Bodmin, but must have spent much of the homeward journey wondering how they did not win the contest after they spent the final 15 minutes as the dominant force, writes Jerry Rice.

Having lost to the Cornish side twice last season the Lacemen travelled to the Duchy expecting a tough encounter.

However, despite the form book suggesting a comfortable afternoon for the home side, the Lacemen had other ideas and made a bright start and, after a number of early raids, they took a 15th minute when Ben Webber notched a well-struck penalty, but as the half wore on the home side started to get a hold of the half and for the last 20 minutes they remained camped in Honiton’s 22 and only desperate defence kept them out!

Honiton’s Finn Parratt was sin-binned on the stroke of half-time so the Lacemen turned round with 14 men.

Unfortunately, things got worse and they were down to 13 when Phil Bennett also found himself in the sin bin after a high tackle.

During this time Bodmin levelled the score and added to it shortly after with a converted try.

With a full complement back on Honiton started to play and they finished the much stronger of two side, but when ever they got into a scoring position they made errors. They finished with a consolation penalty, but went down by a narrow 10-6 in a game they clearly could and should have won given the domination they enjoyed throughout the final 15 minutes!

In truth on what should of been a great day for running rugby this was a dull game and the Lacemen will have to go back to the drawing board with work to do to turn things around.

On Saturday (October 2) they take a break from their league campaign when which might not be a bad thing after four straight defeats! They travel to league higher Torquay for the first round of the Devon Cup.