By Dick Sturch

Millwey Rise 1sts 2, East Budleigh 2nd 0

Both teams found the variable bounce off the hard, bumpy pitch, together with a stiff breeze blowing from end to end a difficult combination to overcome. Consequently accuracy and control were at times a lottery.

East Budleigh exerted the early pressure forcing several corners and free-kicks. It was from one of these that young Owen Enticott saved Rise going behind when he headed a goal-bound effort around the post.

The same player was involved in securing Millwey's first goal when he picked up a ball in his own half and ran at the visitors defence before providing a defence splitting pass to Luke Thurlow who was then upended in the penalty box as he closed in on the goal. Alex Rockett despatched the resultant kick with aplomb to open the scoring for Rise.

The second period was a mirror image of what had gone before. Defences were generally on top but the continual bobble of the ball kept them on their toes and made accurate clearances somewhat challenging.

In the final quarter Millwey moved further ahead when, from a Theo Souttar-Stone corner, Shane Featherstone fired the ball firmly past the visitor's keeper. The score remained this way until the final whistle was blown.

This was a welcome result for Rise after a couple of difficult games. The young complement of Owen Enticott, Theo Souttar-Stone, Joey Osborne and Ben Webb were outstanding and the latter a serious contender for man-of-the-match although in the end it was a good, all-round team effort.

Next week the 1st X1 are away at Bampton and the 2nd X1 welcome The Heart of Oak 1st to Cloakham (kick-off 3pm).