Tavistock 10 Barnstaple 37 TAVISTOCK lost at home in the third round of the EDF National Senior Vase to Barnstaple, a side currently heading the league one higher than the one in which Tavistock currently play. But the scoreline does not reflect the game and the fact that Tavistock were ten points up in the first quarter. Tavistock took the game to Barnstaple from the kick off and put the more illustrious visitors under pressure. Tavistock got play deep into Barnstaple territory and from a lineout drove second row Darren Cole over the line for a try that full back Josh Sutton converted. Barnstaple hit back but the Tavistock defence held firm and when the side again ventured into Barnstaple territory they were rewarded with a penalty goal converted by Josh Sutton from 45 metres. Barnstaple eventually got going and by half time were 13-10 up thanks to a try apiece from Paul Scherss and Simon Watkins, plus a penalty from Josh Squire. The second half started well for Tavistock and up to the hour mark they were only three points adrift and could have been in front but for a desperate last-ditch tackle on centre Duncan Law which saw him brought down less than a metre from the line. In the final quarter Barnstaple pulled away with a try via a pushover try from no 8 Dan Ewing. As Tavistock began to chase the game in the final ten minutes, mistakes were capitalised upon by Barnstaple who scored further tries via Scherss, Ewing and Gear. Tavistock should take much away from their performance in the first hour when they more than held their own. This Saturday Tavistock entertain Falmouth in the Cornwall and Devon League at Sandy Park when they will be wanting to get their league season back on track. Kick off 2.30pm.
