HONTON went down 20-5 away to Hayle in a Cornwall & Devon Division mid-table non-event between two teams already sure of staying up, writes Roger Dance.

Honiton were missing a few regulars which has been a problem with the long away trips this season and on arrival it was clear the windy conditions would play their part as the near gale-was blowing straight down the field.

Hayle had first use of the elements and started well. They were unlucky with an early penalty miss but made amends with a try moment later and with the kicker added the extras Honiton were seven points down with seven minutes on the clock.

Kicking out of defence was difficult so Honiton’s only real option was to run it out, but this often error-strewn tactic was often by a good rush defence.

With the Home side winning the breakdown battle, it was a torrid fist half to say the least. Hayle knocked over another penalty and added a second try on the half-hour mark and another penalty saw the home side 20 points to the good.

It was Honiton’s turn to have all the territorial advantage in the second half thanks to the wind, but the Lacemen were unable to turn the pressure into points.

Their only score of the half was a try by player-coach Jason Hannay, who was fed by a quick tap from scrum half Luke Witton on the half hour mark.

There was a bit of drama at the end when one of the Hayle players was shown a straight red for foul play.

The game concludes an unhappy Cornish campaign for the Lacemen season. In seven visits the only win was over whipping boys Liskeard-Looe on the opening day.

An improvement for next year is a must if Honiton are to progress in this division.

The Easter break means no league action Honiton this weekend, but Honiton will be travelling down to Sidmouth to challenge for the Dave Turner Cup, which is an annual event and a keenly contested encounter.