Devon 2

Buckfastleigh 90

North Tawton 3

THE sloping field beside Cricket Lane which is Buckfastleigh's home ground was the scene for this top versus bottom of the league clash.

Buckfastleigh kicked off and immediately went on the offensive. It soon became apparent why they are leaders in the league as their powerful driving play sucked North Tawton's players into the rucks and mauls, releasing their backs to run at the stretched visiting defence.

Buckfastleigh quickly racked up some early scores, including a fine driving run by the Number 8 from the back of a set scrum.

Despite determined tackling by North Tawton, notably by Simon Fear at full back, and a spell during which the experienced kicking of Paul Fewings pushed Buckfastleigh back into their own 22 metre area, the home team were able to break through with good running and slick handling to rack up a score of 57 points as the match approached half time.

This was when North Tawton staged a comeback, stemming from a good tackle by winger Ryan King and astute penalty kicking by Fewings to put the visitors back into scoring range.

The lineout led to a good take by North Tawton, followed by an impressive drive which caused Buckfastleigh to concede a penalty within the range of Paul Fewings' boot. He duly obliged to put the hard-pressed North Tawton onto the scoresheet.

The best part of Tawton's game was in the lineout and driving, with captain Neil Peters securing good ball for his forwards to push Buckfastleigh back, showing his team were not there just to make up the numbers.

The spirit of pride and determination kept Tawton going at the start of the second half, with some outstanding tackles, none more so than those of Gary Dennis, back at flanker.

But Buckfastleigh were not to be denied and continued to breach the Tawton defences in a display of well-drilled running rugby.

Kevin Avery had to leave the field with a shoulder injury and replacement Denzil Wetherby came on for his first turn-out in the league this year. Richard Lethbridge moved into his more familiar position in the back row and helped seal some of the gaps Buckfastleigh were creating round the sides of the scrums and lineouts.

It is to the credit of the North Tawton team that they did not give in to a better team on the day.

This week, Dartmouth, at home.