CONNOR Howard scored a try hat-trick from No.8 as Brixham U13s defeated Crediton 38-17 to reach the semi-finals of the Devon Cup.

Conditions were sticky at Astley Park and with place in the last four at stake the game wasn't always pretty. But with 10 tries scored there was plenty of excitement.

Brixham started well when centre Connor Putt broke through to open the scoring.

A second try was scored by fly-half Rob Beckinsale who carved a brilliant line through the defence.

By now Brixham's pack were winning virtually every scrum. Howard was having another barnstorming game at No.8 and went over for the third try.

Crediton hauled themselves back into the game with two tries and at 17-12 Brixham held a slender lead.

Connor Howard did his best to settle Brixham nerves with a second try, but this was evened up by another Crediton try despite heroic Brixham tackling, especially from flanker Olly Jackson.

Brixham exerted more pressure on Crediton going into the latter stages and Jesse Lowe scored before Howard ran in for his try hat-trick.

Brixham rounded of the game in style. Neat passing through the backs took the ball upfield. Up popped full-back Ted Duberley to take the scoring pass to cross in the corner.

There was still time for Max Dwyer to go close in the final few minutes, only to be denied by a forward pass.