By Adam Curtis

Final score: Honiton 46-10 Withycombe

With the increasing list of injuries causing initial headaches in some parts of the team selection, our rearranged trip to Honiton would never be easy. But despite this; Withy started well, earning the first penalty of the game.

Although the ball couldn't find its mark, the counter attack was smothered out well as the ball was taken into touch, earning a net gain for Withy.

However, an error at the breakdown a few minutes later gave some helpful possession to Honiton as they went on to score the opening try of the game.

After the opening score, play settled in the middle third of the field, and although possession was largely evenly distributed, Withy were unable to make the most of the early opportunities they had, seemingly giving the hosts a slight advantage.

The second quarter of the game saw Honiton extend their lead with a penalty and second converted try. Withies showed some good potential however after their first prolonged visit into the home half, coming away with three points thanks to a Harry Symons penalty. Honiton struck right back with a third try to bring the half time score to 24-3.

The second half started brightly for the Withies who applied the pressure straight from the kick off. With the ball spending a good amount of time in Withy hands deep in the Honiton half, the penalty was drawn, and the ensuing scrum was walked toward the posts. With just a metre to go, Joe Blyth broke free and crashed over the line to score. Symons converted to reduce the score line to 14 points.

However, with the steep hill now in their favour, Honiton opted for speed and utilised their backs to regain control of the game inside our half to score a further two tries and a penalty. Keen to still take something from the game, Withy had another burst of skill and put on some pressure of their own back up inside the Honiton 22'. With the penalties coming, Withy were opting for the corner each time. Unfortunately, the catch-and-drive wasn't to come and on a couple of occasions the ball was stolen and the danger extinguished. A final try from Honiton on the final whistle put an end to a disappointing day on the road with the final score Honiton 46, Withycombe 10.

It's another road trip for the Withy boys next weekend as we head to Plymouth to take on Devonport Services II at The Rectory.