Crediton Match Preview
Not only might be the forecast for tomorrow’s weather in Crediton’s favour, home advantage will play a huge part. While St Ives can put another strong looking line up on the field, no chickens should be counted. First, after a less than convincing performance last Saturday and a team meeting on Tuesday of this week, every individual in the squad needs to take the field with the correct focus. It was never going to be easy to follow the drubbing they gave Bude. However, a bonus point victory was thankfully recorded. Once the team ethic is right, each player must give a top drawer performance on the field.
The squad has a familiar look. Tom Chandler continues to grow into the front row. Jon Wright is not in attendance for the first time this season. What a stalwart he has been. Harry Parton returns after a week to recover from injury. The rest are as for Wellington match. Joel Stevens and Jake Clemson give the bench a youthful look, less than forty years added together.
The backs are as for last week too, save the scrum half berth being filled by Liam Jolly, with Jacob Ninnes again a replacement.
Readers of this blog and the programme will be aware of Crediton’s improvement in recent weeks, especially at home. They have not lost at Blagdon since the beginning of October, and then by only one point. Recently at home they average just shy of thirty points. For their five homes games this season they have a point’s difference of plus thirty three. Last year they finished twelfth in the league, but again, home form would put them in the top half.
Therefore, with such statistics in Crediton’s favour, what a magnificent win this would be for The Hakes. All their losing bonus points have had a positive impact, momentum is a great help, knowing how to win a crucial ingredient. A performance like that at Withycombe last year; that would do it!
Other matches to watch this weekend which could affect St Ives, depending on their outcomes; Cullompton should pick up a bonus point against lowly Bude, Devonport should collect a win over Wadebridge and Exeter University verses Truro, could be close, although Truro’s away form of late is suspect.
Meanwhile, don’t forget the pre match Christmas dinner. Book your place for just £12.50, enjoy the food and then watch the top match of the week, Hakes verses Devonport Services. Wear your Christmas jumpers.
Finally, if you haven’t paid your membership, your discount card will not work. Please help the club and pay up.
Kick-off is at 2:30pm tomorrow, appearances (including cup) in brackets.
Ben Jenkins (13)
Ben Taylor (12)
Tom Chandler (8)
Jamie Prisk (11)
Harry Parton (10)
Martyn Lawrance (11)
Sean Stevens (9)
Archie McKay (9)
Liam Jolly (9)
Jordan Gott (13)
Pete Mabbott (9)
Steve Kenward (12)
Tom Nicholas (10)
Joe Rouncefield (7)
Lewis Thomas (12)
Replacements:
Jacob Ninnes (2)
Joel Stevens (6)
Jake Clemson (5)
