Honiton took the kick to start the game and with it falling short they were to be tested from the off when Ivybridge elected to scrum. Honiton looked comfortable in the scrum and were able to drive Ivybridge back. However Ivy’s backs were well drilled and tested the Lacemen’s defence. To be fair Honiton absorbed the pressure well and were able to put the first points on the board as Harry Wright crashed through and crossed near the posts. It was clear that Ivybridges strength was in the backs and they soon levelled as they crossed out wide, following some good hands.
Honiton restarted and the game was played end to end until the young Lacemen were able to produce some good phases from the forwards. Johny House found a gap once the ball was recycled and dotted down. Ross Oaten added the conversion to take the score 12-5. The set play was strong and the Lacemen looked to start taking control. Will Tyers was able to weave through shortly after to put some day light between the scores. At this point Honiton looked confident and were able to take the game to Ivybridge. It was now the start of tit for tat rugby as Ivybridge rallied their troops and were able to take full advantage of their centres. Spinning the ball out wide Honiton’s defence was caught out and they narrowed the gap 19-12. Honiton slowed things down and worked the ball up the park. Playing in the home sides 22 a grubber with good weight meant Ivy had to kick to relieve the pressure from their own touch line. Ussy Elgamady was able to charge it down and dotted down to reclaim the precious point gap. Ivybridge came back strong and the 14 point buffer was short lived as they crossed out wide again with a very familiar try. The half time whistle blew with Honiton taking the first half a hard worked 26-17. With injuries taking their toll the second half was a different game and Honiton looked under pressure and found themselves having to defend hard. Ivybridge appeared to settle in and Honiton done well to keep the home side out. Alas the Lacemens strong defence could not be maintained and Ivybridge were eventually rewarded, finding a well-placed ball they squeezed through and touched down in range of the conversion. The score was now 26-24 and both teams appeared to step up a gear. With Honiton attacking, good support allowed the ball to flow up the pitch where Charlie Wright received in the right corner to cross for the final time. The score was 31-24 and with only minutes to spare Ivybridge restarted quickly and threw everything they had at Honiton in an attempt to level the game. A spilt ball from the hosts on Honitons five meter line allowed the pressure to be released. The Lacemen secured the ball from the subsequent scrum and Johnny House closed the game kicking to touch. This was a good all round performance from both camps but Honiton came out the deserved winners.
Honiton host Barnstaple next weekend with a 2.30pm ko.