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Tavistock RFC President's XV 44

Tavistock Chairman's XV 5

A LARGE crowd assembled for the annual Boxing Day memorial match at Sandy Park. 

Despite the scoreline, the two teams produced a fine open game of rugby which was much enjoyed by the spectators. 

The President's team, captained by Matt Cole, contained a number of former Tavistock players returning for the Christmas holidays and they generally had a bit more pace around the park than the chairman's team.

Simon Bawden scored the first try for the President's XV and although this was matched soon after by a try from Tim Childs for the Chairman's side, further tries by Gareth Mason and Alex Hudson gave the President's men the lead at half time.

The President's XV scored further tries from Lawrence Evans; Jim Dunsford; Duncan Law; Hayden Biddle and a second from Gareth Mason but, despite periods of pressure, the Chairman's team failed to recover.

The President's team brought on veterans Stan Staniland, Chris Greatrex and Colin Abel among the numerous substitutions made by both sides during the match, but referee Brian Barclay remained vigilant, to ensure good order was maintained.

After the game there was the traditional and seasonal lengthy post-match discussion in the club bar about the finer parts of the match!