Honiton limped out of the National Vase on Saturday, losing out 10-6 to Bristol Imperial. Honiton s performance was the poorest in recent memory and, although the referee's input had an affect on the outcome of the game, it was Honiton's mistakes and decision-making that was their undoing

Honiton limped out of the National Vase on Saturday, losing out 10-6 to Bristol Imperial.

Honiton's performance was the poorest in recent memory and, although the referee's input had an affect on the outcome of the game, it was Honiton's mistakes and decision-making that was their undoing.

The pitch had a good deal of standing water on it, and conditions were not ideal as the sides kicked off.

It was obvious from the outset that Honiton could win the game with basic running rugby, but too often they elected to kick the ball away. It was particularly disappointing given that much discussion had taken place during training about not senselessly kicking the ball away.

As it was, Honiton worked their way into the opposition half and eventually won a penalty which Webber coolly converted.

Imperial then came back at Honiton and, from a scrum in the Lacemen's twenty two, the home side's number eight picked from the base of the solid set piece. He was tackled but not held, enabling him to re-gather his momentum and score under the posts. The score converted by the effective number nine.

The home side were abrasive and enjoyed the off-the-ball element of the game, and essentially hustled Honiton with a more streetwise approach, and Honiton's lack of aggression in the dark arts contributed to their downfall.

As it was, Webber converted another penalty before half time, and Honiton knew with a bit of structure they would be OK.

However, it never came. The Lacemen's set piece was poor and they lacked any real penetration in the centre. Honiton looked good out wide, but you've got to earn the right to go wide, and the front twelve didn't give the back three a platform.

Selway was sin binned during the second period for asking why the perpetual feeding at the scrummage was not being penalised.

Honiton pressed on, but ,as the half progressed, they were forced on to their own line.

The only positive from the game was the defence on the line.

Honiton showed good defence around the fringes and forced Imperial into kicking to the posts from a penalty.

With Honiton 10-6 down, they needed something. However basic errors killed the Lacemen. They got into the opposition twenty two twice, and they kicked the ball away on both occasions.

It was a good eye-opener for Honiton who travel to Plymouth several times over the forthcoming weeks for games that are bound to be played in a similar fashion.

By Nick Guilbert

Honiton rugby