Western Counties West
Bude 22
Tavistock 10
TAVISTOCK travelled to Bude and desperately needed to start with a bang, but, unfortunately, it was more of a damp squib, as the hosts were gifted a simple try within the first two minutes.
The visitors came back and started to make a game of it, conditions were difficult for both sides, there was little continuity and the game stagnated with neither side making any real inroads.
Eventually Tavistock managed a mini break and Bude conceded a penalty which Mark Hennessey slotted over, this stung Bude into raising their game and a kick and chase resulted in a five metre scrum from which Bude scored a try, duly converted.
As the half progressed Tavistock had some good possession, but distribution was slow and from a knock-on, Bude set up a quick counter attack, scoring a try in the corner.
Bude attacked straight from the start of the second half and were awarded a penalty. The kick came back off the posts and Bude managed to regain possession and with their momentum managed to drive across the line for another try - again converted.
Tavistock came back, and with the front row of Kerswell, Martin and Baker scrummaged well, possession was mainly with Tavistock, but again distribution was slow, Bude were able to marshal their defence and Tavistock could make no forward progress, there was no penetration and the play went laterally across the field.
A dropped pass was hacked through by Bude, but Dan Luffman re-gathered and, with a bit of room, was able to make a break, linking with Andy Wright who took the ball on and as he was tackled managed to pop the ball up for Jake Phillips to crash over for a consolation try which Mark Hennessey converted.