Tavistock U16s 7
Exeter Chiefs U16s 27
TAVISTOCK suffered a second defeat to Exeter Chiefs but showed a big improvement on their performance in the first match of the season.
Tavistock were the first to score as a clearance kick by Chiefs was collected on half way by Tavistock and run back at the Chiefs' defence.
Good handling through the backs enabled Jack Bond to touch down in the corner. The conversion by Josh Leeson saw the home side 7-0 up.
A spell of sustained pressure from Chiefs then saw Tavistock defending well for some time. However, after a series of five metre scrums Chiefs eventually scored as they moved the ball wide to the left.
The visitors ended the half with a slender one point lead thanks to a penalty awarded in front of the posts just as the half drew to a close.
Chiefs extended their lead with another try early in the second half but the match remained evenly balanced until Tavistock were reduced to 14 players by a yellow card with 20 minutes remaining.
Chiefs took advantage of their extra number to add a third try after a defensive penalty kick by Tavistock failed to find touch.
Tavistock continued to play with determination throughout the field and came close to scoring as a tap penalty near their own 22 set up a flowing move and excellent handling involving several players was stopped just short of the line.
Tavistock however had failed to establish enough of such open play through the game to capitalise on the pace of their runners.
Chiefs scored a final try as the tiring home side were beaten from a quickly taken lineout.