Tops topple table toppers!!!

An unplayable pitch on the previous week was not the best preparation for Topsham 2nd XV as they welcomed the merit table leading Crediton 3rd XV to bonfire field.

Topsham started fairly scrappily and were, unusually, on the back foot in the scrimmaging contest. However the defence held until possibly the first missed tackle of the game allowed Crediton to open up a 5-0 lead.

Tops then started to put some phases together and a good rolling maul from a line-out allowed Bryn Jones to make good progress towards the opposing try line. The moved finished with Olly Scott burrowing over from close range to level the scores at 5-5.

The remainder of the game was nip and tuck with Tim Taylor converting a Darren Davies try as well as landing two penalties and Crediton also scoring two converted tries to leave the score with Tops trailing 18-19 with minutes to go.

The final say went to Topsham when, after some good build-up work and much improved scrummaging from the pack, Darren Davies picked a superb running line to romp over for his second try of the day. Taylor converted to make the score 25-19. Topsham then showed great character to shut down the remaining minutes and record a great win.

Big mentions to Matt Barrett for some good running lines (REALLY should have sored!!!) and to Karl Anderson for some solid work.

Man of the match awarded to James Clarke who, having made a switch to the flank for the day, put in a masterful display.