Tiverton hang on to claim vital win

TIVERTON made it two wins out of two on Saturday to further ease their Western Counties West relegation worries.

Tivvy overcame struggling Devonport Services 13-9 at Coronation Field — a result which moved them to within two points of ninth-placed Newquay Hornets and with a game in hand.

But it wasn't one-way traffic as bottom side Services took an early lead through a couple of penalties. Jimmy Atkins replied from the floor before Olly Chanin went over to give Tiverton the lead.

In the second half Ollie King added another score to put the home side in control and they did well to hang on under pressure towards the end.

"We desperately wanted the win and I think that showed," said Tivvy coach Glenn Crocker. "Our defence was resolute and that secured us the win in the end. We held out at the end and collectively we made sure we weren't going to lose.

"Credit to Devonport because they gave everything, but we did well to deal with everything they threw at us."

Crocker reserved praise for colts trio Ollie Price, Adam Willows and Jack Sampson.

He said: "All three of the younger players played really well. They give us an extra impetus."

Okehampton produced a superb performance at Oaklands to beat in-form Kingsbridge 26-15.

A try double from Rob Fishleigh and one each from Matt Dennis and Richard Friend secured Okey the priceless win.

Honiton all-but guaranteed themselves a second-place finish in Devon One North & East thanks to a 14-try 86-3 win at Topsham.

The Tops, with a weakened side out, failed to contain the Lacemen from the outset, with Ben Dobson and Josh Barrett both bagging hat-tricks, Ben Webber and Barry Locke going over twice and Chris de Large, Phil Cooke, Nathan Hannay and Brad Spiller also scoring.

Two tries from Andy Alderman helped Wessex move up to third as they beat Totnes 20-0 following a stunning performance against the leaders.

In Cornwall & Devon, Exeter Saracens powered to a 64-0 win over Plymstock Albion Oaks to maintain the pressure on the top teams.

Matt Hilton and Brendan Phennah both notched hat-tricks for the Exhibition Fields outfit as they dominated from the first whistle.

Dave Loman, Darren Light, Keiron Bromell and Ben Cowley also ran home tries in an impressive performance from Sarries.

Coach Brian Sherrell said: "I'm delighted that the team played with so much freedom and confidence."

One of those feeling the heat as a result of Sarries' excellent form is second-placed Crediton, who threw away a 12-0 lead to lose 13-12 at Torrington.

In an agonising defeat for Kirton, Lance Palmer's touch down and a penalty try — converted by Paul Thomas — put them 12-0 up at half-time.

But a stirring fight back by the hosts saw them take victory thanks to a converted try from Blaine Quinlan and eight points from Andy Manning.

Teignmouth earned their ninth victory of the season against Hayle with a last-gasp converted try from Byron Woods — his second of the game.

The Teigns came away 20-19 winners, with Dan Force kicking the all-important conversion.