Barnstaple storms past Crediton with second-half blitz in Devon Cup opener

After a close first half, Barnstaple unleashed a scoring spree, finishing Crediton’s Devon Cup hopes with six tries in the last 20 minutes for a 61-18 win

Barnstaple over-ran Crediton in the second half en-route to a brilliant 61-18 win in the first round of the Devon Senior Cup.

Crediton, who play one rung below Barnstaple on the league ladder, were only 14-13 down at half time.

Cameron Grizzle-Johnson and Brandon Moore were the try scorers for Barum. Jordan Petherbridge kicked both conversions.

Josh Davey converted a Josh Lee try and two penalty goals for Crediton.

It stayed close until around about the hour mark when Barnstaple put their foot on the gas.

Six tries in the last quarter of the match left Crediton trailing in their wake.

Pacy wingman Alex Penny ran over for four tries in 16 minutes as Barnstaple piled-up the points.

Barnstaple’s other try scorers were Troy Willis, George Snell and Dominic Robson all went over. Petherbridge carried on kicking the goals.

Charlie Gribble scored a consolation try for Crediton.

Barnstaple will be at home to Topsham in the last four of the cup on February 8.

Winston James, the Barnstaple coach, said the scoreline did not give a true picture of the game.

“Crediton pushed us hard for 40 minutes – probably longer – and raised their game more than we did,” said James.

“But we got our tails up in the second half with five tries in a clinical spell of 15 minutes.

“That may seem a bit harsh on Crediton, but that’s the nature of rugby.”

Reflecting on Penny’s four-try haul, James said: “When we moved the ball wide he was the right man in the right place at the right time.”

Stuart Lowe, the Crediton coach, said: “For 55-60 minutes it was a great and very tight game of rugby.

“We missed three or four chances to take the lead, then Barnstaple taught us a lesson in taking chances.”

League action returns to Pottington this Saturday afternoon when Barnstaple entertain Ivybridge in One South West.