Welch back in action and stars in Honiton 2nds’ defeat

Honiton 2nds entertained Crediton 2nds on Saturday, and, with Honiton’s pitch still not back to normal after the previous week’s rain, it was a very stodgy encounter.

Honiton elected to play up the slope and found it hard work against a good, organised Crediton side. Honiton found themselves two tries down early on when the Mid Devon wide men scored on each side.

The game settled down with neither side taking advantage, but just before half-time a good break from the opposition’s number eight saw him crash over and Honiton went into the break 19-0 down with it all to do in the second half.

Honiton - with the slope advantage - rallied after half-time and really got into the game.

Good work from Honiton’s pack saw Louie Lane cross for a well-worked try.

Luke Sky, guesting for the day, converted. With Honiton’s tails up and with Crediton making several handling errors, the Lacemen had the lion’s share of possession and a ball swung wide got to the hands of the newly married Ben Welsh, who crossed for a good score and Honiton were right back in the game.

Unfortunately, as with previous weeks, Honiton couldn’t keep up the pressure and Crediton regrouped and started to assert their dominance and it was they who finished the stronger side, scoring a couple of tries in the last quarter.

The final score of 31-14 left Honiton feeling disappointed, but, to be fair, they were beaten by a better side. However, they did stick at the task well.

Louie Lane and Austin Elliot played well again, as did the guest Luke Sky, but on his return to action, it was Ben Welch who bagged the Man of the Match award.