Saltash 1st XV 12

Tavistock 1st XV 12

FOLLOWING last week's demolition of Topsham in the Devon Junior Cup, Tavistock gave themselves a challenge to begin the New Year with — Saltash are currently in the Devon and Cornwall, the league above Tavistock, and although struggling near the bottom, had a lot to prove to the visiting Devon 1 side.

Tavistock seemed committed to the style of rugby which gave them such a convincing victory last week. Securing quick ball, the forwards supplied the backs with possession and the time to create devastating attacking runs.

Mark Ninnis and Rob Weldon, in the centres, displayed strong running and excellent timing, while full back Gareth Mason and wings Barney Dunstan and Simon Beatty provided blistering pace. Behind every move, however, was fly half Neil Evans, whose effective decision making and running put Tavistock in the lead.

Tavistock had endured a period of pressure in the opening minutes, with Saltash using their powerful No 8 to suck in the visitor's defence. Effective support play by the Cornish forwards had Tavistock on the back foot, but a quick turnover of the ball by Tavistock released the backs from their own 22-yard line. The ball travelled through all hands one way and back the other, enabling Neil Evans to outstrip several defenders on the right wing, to score an impressive try. Evans converted and Saltash spent the rest of the game playing 'catch-up'.

Shortly before half-time, Saltash replied with a running try of their own. A typical break by the No 8 gave them space to move the ball among the forwards who eventually spun wide for an unconverted try.

Tavistock knew that two points was too slim a lead and worked hard to increase it in the opening minutes of the second half. They were soon rewarded when another fine display of handling by the backs allowed Dunstan a powerful run down his wing for an unconverted try.

Controversy followed when opposing flankers clashed off the ball and were sent off without a warning. This decision was harsh, but Tavistock could not believe their bad luck when their flanker scored a try, only to be brought back by the referee for a scrum in Tavistock's favour. Tavistock had every right, therefore, to feel robbed when the Saltash pack launched an effective drive, just yards from the Tavistock line, to score a converted try, drawing the match.