IT'S never over until the fat lady sings - so, apparently, goes the saying - and that was exactly the case at Crediton where Falmouth pulled off a very good victory in their Cornwall/Devon League clash.

In an unspectacular first half with both teams guilty of never putting together more than two phases of play, ionsistencies were abundant.

The only consistent performer seemed to be Devon society referee Scott Reynolds, for one reason or another.

The home side opened the scoring after three minutes when Falmouth were caught offside and the penalty converted by number ten Ross Toms.

Falmouth replied from an identical situation, converted by number 10, James Instance.

Another penalty conceded by Falmouth for the same offence gave the home team an undeserved lead after the first quarter. because the only real rugby came from the visitors after a great three quarter move opening the home defence with excellent handling by Michael Slater and speedy full back James Greville Smith joining the line. Regretfully the ball seemed to be knocked forward in the tackle.

Falmouth, whenever near the try line, seemed to upset Mr Reynolds and were penalised on numerous occasions finding themselves 40 yards in reverse. However, they did gain some reward after great work by the forwards. Crediton's ploy to slow the game down resulted in James Instance slotting over the penalty.

Crediton lost number eight J Harris with a leg injury and was replaced by Gavin Best who, ironically, was sin-binned two minutes after his arrival.

Further misendeavours by Crediton's forwards saw Instance kick from a penalty into the corner where a catch and drive from the line out and great forward pressure saw number seven Ed Lawrence (possibly Falmouth's man of the match) just fail to score. But a resulting penalty kicked by instance gave the visitors a half time lead of 6-9.

Play resumed in the second half with a change of fortunes. It was the home team who upped the tempo and had the territorial advantage. Frustration crept in and the referee had to exercise his authority.

Player-coach Tim Gay (hooker) number eight Justin Downey and the Summer brothers Tom and Harry all excelled in the defensive efforts to keep the home side at bay. However, the pressure told and Crediton equalised with another penalty by Toms.

At nine all and ten minutes to go it looked like Crediton were going to be the likely lads to pull off the winning score. Two kickable penalties were number ten Toms who was so sure footed earlier.

Falmouth would have been quite happy at this stage to have travelled back down the A30 with a draw and a point, but their persistence and stubbornness paid off. With two minutes remaining the forwards broke out. Crediton infringed on three occasions and while the referee allowed good advantage he finally blew for a penalty 45 yards from the home posts. Up stepped James Instance and he kicked the perfect conversion under pressure.

The whistle blew for no side. Job done and it made victory that much sweeter.

The fat lady had sung and had hit all the right notes.

On Saturday Falmouth entertain Bideford in a Cornwall and Devon League fixture hoping to repeat their opening-day victory against their Devon visitors in the EDF Energy cup competition.