Tavistock RFC Colts Invitation XV 34

THIS fixture which has become a memorial match to Andrew Law, a young player who was captain to both the College and Colts Xvs and who died tragically three years ago, had added poignancy this year, as Andrew's younger brother Duncan pitted his College's 1st XV side against his dad Bob's Colts XV.

Although the Colts were unable to start with all 15 players, it became obvious as the match progressed and the Colts were able to build to full strength that their more powerful forwards would eventually be the deciding factor with David Manning, Joe Lane, Hamish Pearse-Danker, Simon Boreham and Adam James all catching the eye.

College started the stronger and encamped in the Colts half, but despite several close calls, had to be content with one Alex Rose penalty.

A poor kick off, followed by a penalty saw the Colts set up an atttacking lineout, which allowed David Manning to score the first of his three tries to take the lead. This was quickly followed by a second try, converted by Seb Roberts.

However, the College came back with a fabulous reply of their own, when Rose worked a double miss move with his centres to invite full back Simon Beard to charge through a gap taking him under the posts. Rose added the conversion points to close the gap to 10-12 at half-time.

College soon lost the services of influential fly half Rose through concussion, which meant Josh Sutton reverting to fly half and young Alex Hudson again picking up the scrum half role.

The Colts seized on this uncertainty by scoring two quick tries to stretch their lead. Firstly, Manning kicked a loose ball midfield to charge off downfield and score his second try. Pearse-Danker fielded a poor College kick-off and set off downfield. Before the youngsters realised and reacted to the danger, He was well out of reach to score his side's fourth try, which was converted by Roberts.

David Manning asserted his strength again to run a ball down the left wing, bouncing would be tacklers out of his way to score his third try.

Matthew Witcher scored the Colt's sixth try when he attacked the short side at an attacking five-metre scrummage, but fittingly College skipper Law scored the final try of the match when after sustained pressured he was able to drive through to score under the posts, giving Sutton an easy conversion to give the score some respectability at 17-34.

Duncan Law and David Manning were their sides respective 'Man of the Match' and each received a bottle of champagne in a presentation after the game.

Tavistock College, playing their final match of the season, expressed thanks to Rhino, 'Bill the Baker'Meadowlands and Ayres Sports for their much appreciated sponsorship throughout the season.