Withies Undone at Allhallows

It was defeat in the penultimate away fixture of the season

Withy travelled up the A30 to take on third-placed Honiton at Allhallows Playing Fields. Honiton, who have only lost at home to league leaders Torquay, are tough to beat on their turf. Withy needed a strong eighty minutes to change that. With the steep slope in the favour of the home side in the first half, Honiton put on some early pressure to force a strong defensive set from Withy. They proved themselves well and repelled any scores for some time, however eventually, the hosts found a gap in the wall to sneak in for the opening score; a penalty on 19 minutes extended their lead to 8-0. 

Withy made their way onto the scoreboard just before the half hour mark via the boot of Harry Symons whose well struck penalty bisected the posts to bring the score to 8-3.

Honiton responded well with a second try shortly after, but Withy battled back up the slope to put themselves back into a promising position. Their efforts were rewarded with another penalty, which was duly converted by Symons. 

These would prove to be Withy’s final points of the game as the hosts used their knowledge of the pitch to maximum advantage. Withies battled well throughout the second half, earning some decent chances from within the Honiton 22’. Unfortunately, the visitors were just unable to covert the opportunities into any points. 

The final score: Honiton 42, Withycombe 6. A scoreline that didn’t really reflect the effort the side had put in, but with it, plenty of learning points that can be put into practice over the final three remaining games of the competitive season. The next of which will be against South Molton back at Raleigh Park next Saturday.