Tavistock 2nd XV 34

OPOs 2nd XV 17

TAVISTOCK Seconds had every right to feel confident about overcoming their oppposition on Saturday having won when the two sides met earlier in the season.

But that confidence was perhaps the cause of their lacklustre start with the visitors scoring an early try. Tavistock began to achieve some parity but conceded another soft try and found themselves 12-0 down before 20 minutes had passed.

This sparked a revival in the home side and with John Longdon, John Perkins and Chris Johns starting to dominate in the front row. Pressure was applied as Staniland and Bridgewater began to see more of the ball. Eventually, Andrew Griffiths crossed the line from a tap penalty to score. Dave Welsh, out of position on the flank, made some strong runs along with John Kay in the centre and good field position, skipper Neil Cole crossed to score and bring the sides level.

But Tavistock went into their shells and conceded another try.

In the second half Tavistock were playing down the Sandy Park slope and during the break the decision was taken to make three substitutions. It meant the introduction of Simon Boreham, Adam James and Seb Roberts to the fray.

The second half began brighter and good tactical kicking from Josh Sutton as well as forceful running from Simon Thompson and Mike James meant the rest of the game was spent virtually in the OPO 22.

It was fitting that the inevitable try fell to Staniland who had been controlling the game at scrum half. It was then the turn of Tavistock's backline to shine as the gaps started to open and Glen Martin completed a sweeping move by scorching the turf to score in the corner.

Working tirelesly Will Luke and Dan Alford contributed enormously to the glut of possesion the Red and Black began to enjoy and soon the game was beyond doubt.

First of all, Simon Boreham scored after a trademark barnstorming run, then almost straight from the kick off Seb Roberts scored with a move that involved eight or more players.

Dave Welsh won man of the match having played out of position on the flank then coming back on at prop to replace the injured Chris Johns.