HONITON defeated Ivybridge 45-26 in an end-to-end encounter that takes them one step closer to the Devon Colts final at Sandy Park next month, writes Paul Parratt.

Honiton played up the slope in the first half but soon had the first points on the board as Louis Groves was able to storm the line from a well-worked passage of play. Ross Oaten slotted the extras.

With dominant forwards, Honiton were in control of the ball and kept it close until releasing Oaten to bob and weave through for the second try, which he converted.

Ben Kidson found the line next as a well-worked ball went out to the far fringes. He ran in a bit too far out for the conversion to find its target.

An Ivybridge try and conversion reminded Honiton they were not going to run away with the game that easily.

Honiton opened the gap further as Oaten ran in and converted for 26-7, but overcomplicating matters cost the Lacemen two tries.

One was an interception try, the other from kick that wasn’t dealt with and with one conversion the gap was seven points at half time.

Honiton had the slope in the second half and used it well to keep the Bridge in their own half.

Harry Wright broke through to dot down soon after the restart to give Honiton some daylight at 31-19.

Loose tackling let Ivybridge in for a response and kept the visitors in the game.

The young Lacemen settled themselves and played with ball in hand until a long kick found touch deep in the visitors’ territory.

The whitewash was soon found again as Cody Northcott bulldozed his way over from the back of the resulting ruck. Oaten put over the conversion with the aid of the woodwork.

Honiton now led 38-26 and Ivybridge needed two scores to deny them. Johnny House put the game to bed as he found the line for the last time. Oaten again bagged the kick.

Man of the match went to Finn Parratt for his tireless workload, along with his ball carrying and ruck clearance.

Pro Decorating Services sponsored the match ball.

Honiton Colts next match is on Wednesday, April 8 (6.30pm) when they travel to Newton Abbot. It is another crunch game and support will be welcome