Plymouth Civil Service 22
Tavistock 18
TAVISTOCK suffered a disappointing defeat in the Devon 1 League over the weekend.
Although this is a fixture which Tavistock can never take for granted, especially at Civil's home ground, Tavistock were so dominant in areas that victory seemed certain in the opening quarter.
Tavistock opened the scoring through the boot of fly-half Neil Evans, who slotted a penalty to put them three points ahead. It was also Evans who was first to cross the oppositions' try-line in a beautifully worked try.
Hooker Rob Sleep took a crash ball from the back of a ruck and made good ground from the halfway line with some powerful running. Sleep passed to Beatty on the left wing who continued the run, drawing the defence and popping the ball to Evans, who ran in the try.
Tavistock benefited from a strong wind in the first half and used it to some advantage, but Civil forced several errors from Tavistock in the visitors' half and the Civil fly half kicked two penalties against the wind.
Tavistock's second try began when full-back Mark Baker caught a high ball and ran through several defenders, eventually passing to centre Gareth Mason, in the tackle. Mason linked with the other centre, Mike Lidden, who passed long to Evans to cross the line for a second time.
The conversion was missed, leaving the half-time score at 13-6 to Tavistock.
Although Tavistock had dominated in the first half, and the backs had looked dangerous in possession, the margin was not wide enough with the wind advantage and the accurate kicking of the Civil fly-half. Another two penalties to Civil put them back in the game and the Plymouth side increased in confidence.
Tavistock scored an inspirational try next, chipping the ball over the defence and catching it on the bounce, putting the Moorlanders 18-12 ahead.
A converted Civil try soon after, however, left Tavistock one point behind and as the game approached the final minutes, Civil were awarded another penalty within easy range for their kicker. The ball sailed cleanly between the posts and Tavistock had missed the opportunity for a valuable three points.