Blackburn hat-trick powers Crediton to 33-3 win over Newton Abbot
Crediton turned-up the wick in the second half to complete a 33-3 win over visitors Newton Abbot.
Stuart Lowe, the Crediton coach, was rightly wary of Newton Abbot, who defied most expectations by thrashing Wellington by 50 points last time out.
And Lowe’s caution appeared well founded when half-time arrived with Crediton just 7-3 ahead.
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Crediton scored the only try of the half from a well-drilled line-out move with the experienced Ben Wonnacott touching down.
Newton Abbot had dominated for long spells with Tom Steer at fly-half pulling their strings.
It was a different story in the second half as a try hat-trick from Freddie Blackburn – a proper three-in-a-row job – had Crediton over the horizon by the hour mark.
The win was all the more remarkable as Crediton closed it out despite playing much of the second half a man down after Josh Hall was red-carded.
Victory kept Crediton joint top of the table with Topsham with a perfect 100 per cent bonus-point record from the first three games.
For Lowe it was a hard-earned win that showed his side’s strength and resolve. “Even after being reduced to 14 men, the second half was dominated by Crediton, ” said Lowe.
“Crediton scored four well-structured tries, after some outstanding decision making, with one to 15 clinical in the right areas.
“Newton are a much stronger side this year and with some key players they will cause teams a few problems.
“To keep Newton to three points, after they scored 50-plus against Wellington, last week was probably the most pleasing aspect. ” After Blackburn had completed his 18-minute hat-trick, there was time for Bobby Jenkin to claim Crediton’s fifth and final try. Josh Davey converted four from five off the tee.
Crediton move on to their toughest challenge of this season so far this Saturday when they visit Wadebridge.