There was no first team action at the weekend so Honiton seconds took centre stage and travelled to Brixham to play what was the top of the table match. The team that won could no longer be caught and would win the league.

Honiton who were unbeaten so far this season had realised this was an “all or nothing game” and decided to make a day of it and hired a bus but also made attendance a compulsory fancy dress day. The theme for the day was “animals” and what a site at the meet, as the bus was loaded with a Cow,, Dogs, Penguins, Gorillas, Chickens, Ducks, Lions, Kangaroos, and a Wolf and of course a immaculately dressed Ring Master, suitably equipped with whip, to control them all.

Putting the fun aside, Honiton knew they were up against it when they were met with a totally different set of players who made the trip to Honiton earlier in the season, perhaps something to do with the fact Brixham’s very strong second team didn’t have a game and all the trawlers were port bound for the day because of the weather. Undaunted and resisting the chance to play their own first team players Honiton set about their task well and playing with the gale managed to pin their opponents back in their own half.

This was not a game for the faint hearted and right from the start Honiton were on the receiving end of some fairly dubious forms of rugby but you don’t win leagues with out being able to cope with that sort of intimidation. Honiton opened the scoring with a great try. Quick hands released Exeter Uni’ student Mat Booker who then ran from the halfway line, dodged the defence to score under the posts. Neil Woolacott added the extras and moments later knocked over a penalty to put Honiton ten points clear. Brixham replied with a penalty of their own but that was quickly cancelled out with another for Honiton.

This meant the Lacemen turned round 13-3 up and given the gale force conditions the question was, was this enough of a lead that they could defend? Honiton had a dream start when like most of the season great hands from the three quarters released Graham “the chicken” Pidge who crossed out wide for five more points. Then came the onslaught, Brixham kicked a penalty and with constant pressure and good use of the win and the occasional kick, stamp or punch they scored a try and converted it to bring them with in one score of the Lacemen.

The last 10 minutes were frantic and both sets of supports baying for blood as the intensity built and the off the ball incidents continued. With seconds to go one of the Brixham supports lost his cool and ran on to the pitch and blatantly kick a Honiton player! Well that was it! and rushing to the defence of the Honiton player was several of the Honiton supporters who were obviously dressed in the fancy dress of the day. Whilst this conduct should, in no way be condoned, the western style brawl that ensued was the funniest thing I’ve seen in years. The site of a dog a cow and a chicken involved in “fisty cuffs” was like some thing out of a comedy sketch.