Tavistock Second XV 31
Cullompton Second XV 27
TAVISTOCK recorded their second victory in a row against higher league opposition with this win at Sandy Park.
Cullompton put the home side under pressure from the kick off but could not break through determined and fierce tackling from the Tavistock defence. They went ahead on 20 minutes with a penalty kick and extended their lead two minutes later with a try.
Tavistock's response was immediate. Scrum-half Ambrose McGuire stole the ball off the back of the Cullompton scrum, following a mix-up between the opposition Number 8 and scrum-half, to dive over for the home team's first try, converted from an acute angle by Adam Bridgewater.
A further two penalties were kicked by Bridgewater before half-time.
The Tavistock front five of John Longden, Dave Welsh, Chris Johns, Mike James and Simon Thompson dominated the scrums, causing all sorts of problems to the Cullompton pack.
After half-time Cullompton scored a further try and kicked another penalty to take them into the lead. However, Tavistock dug deep and their efforts were rewarded on 65 minutes when openside flanker Dan Alford crashed over the line following another powerful drive from the Tavistock scrum and an ensuing melee five yards out from the try-line. Simon Thompson added a third for the home side, finishing off in style.
Cullompton came back with a try from a controversial quickly taken penalty. However, the points were made safe a minute before full time by another Bridgewater penalty, capping a fine performance with the boot which included two conversions and four penalties.