Tavistock RFC U14s 27
Plymstock Oaks RFC U14 s 15
WITH both squads depleted through injuries and half term, Tavistock took the opportunity of wholesale changes in positioning to give match experience and to test new alignments.
Plymstock sought to impose the strength of its larger pack and it looked momentarily as if Tavistock was to be overrun with several strong advances. But the lads modified their style and produced the best team effort this season.
The first score went to Tavistock with a penalty conversion awarded for Plymstock infringement, which was quickly followed by a try from Rhys Davies from a turnover ball delivered by Frazer Bayliss at outside centre.
But Tavistock did not have it all their own way and were called upon to defend their line from several Plymstock forays which they did with great effect
Tavistock went into the second half with a ten-point lead but the lead was eliminated by a second try for Plymstock.
A fielding change brought Sam Pluckrose into the pack and provided just the lift needed to up the pace of the game. A well won ball from a set scrum enabled a classic Tavistock 'across the back line' fast ball where a sprinting Jake Johns on the wing was on hand to deliver the ball by the corner flag.
This was especially satisfying as the backs were not the normal line up but demonstrated the same level of ball handling skills.
Aidan Mason put in an outstanding performance in a new position at full back with an impressive catch rate.
In the closing minutes a Will Colton drive in the Plymstock half with a swift offload to Rhys Davies at the tackle enabled the fourth crossing and successful conversion.