Playing with a noticeable wind towards the sports hall in the first half, Crediton began the game well, retaining possession and going through the phases. While Saints tackled well they appeared to be a little off the pace that they had set in the more recent games.
After a period of good pressure Sam Harris finished off a period of good away pressure by skipping over to the left of the posts. To be fair it had been coming and was a well-deserved score, the first try the Saints had conceded in 4 games. 8 mins ( 0-5) Harris ( T )

This seemed to be the spark the Saints needed and they began to put together some very dangerous phases of play with fly half Ashwin threatening the line and the young Saints back three combining well to run the ball back .

Despite Saints having most of the pressure the Crediton defence was outstanding and repelled wave after wave to turn around at half time still holding onto their slender lead.

The half time talk was composed and concentrated on really imposing our game in the second half and continuing to play at the tempo Saints wanted.
With the Saints beginning to exert control in the forwards and Crediton being asked more and more questions all around the pitch, prop Hugh Noott finished off an impressive forward drive by claiming the try, well converted by Freeman. 51 mins ( 7 – 5 ) Noott ( T ) Freeman ( C )

The Saints were now in the ascendancy, replacement Kellow was making great yardage and the backs with Freeman and Johns always threatening were stretching the Crediton defence. Saints next try came from one of the regular scorers, George Knowles. From a dominant scrum he set off on a lateral slaloming run to dot down with several defenders hanging off him 65 mins ( 12 – 5 ) Knowles ( T )

Crediton rallied bravely and mounted a spirited response but pinpoint kicking from the Ashwin brothers kept the Devon side pinned in their own half. Following a Crediton infringement and a metre grabbing penalty kick to touch, the Saints forwards set up a dynamic catch and drive that saw Knowles break gleefully down the blind side for his second try of the day, converted by Freeman from wide out. 78 mins ( 19 – 5 ) Knowles ( T ) Freeman ( C )

The Saints pummelled away looking for the bonus point try but Crediton defended magnificently, even mounting one last assault of their own before the game was brought to a close.

This was a fantastic game and great credit to both sides. They have both had stern tests recently so to commit to such a physically demanding display was fantastic to see.

In the clubhouse Saints learnt that this result coupled with a draw between Devonport Services and Wadebridge Camels meant that they took over top spot. The next Saints game is away against, Devonport Services, so that is set up to be another wonderful game.

Webmasters Notes: First of all a massive thank you to all those that made up the large crowd that watched this game on Saturday. A large and noisy crowd is just what the players like and need so keep it up!

The next pre-match lunch with any seats left is on 13th January 18 which is the Tiverton game. If you want to grab seats do it now if possible otherwise you will be disappointed! Contact Tich on sardineslayer@hotmail.co.uk to make those bookings.