Tavistock Colts .. . . . . . . . . . . .34

Upper Clapton Colts . . . . . . . .14

TAVISTOCK entertained a touring side from Essex and gave them a hard introduction to Devon colts rugby. Sam Smerdon opened the scoring after a strong run round the defence, followed by a good try from scrum half Alex Moy when hooker Will Branfield won the ball on the ground amid a crowd of the opposition to set up a ruck.

Winger Simon Braithewaite outstripped the defence with his speed to score and enjoyed several strong runs during the game. Hooker Branfield, always at the point of action, crossed for a try just before half-time.

Sam Smerdon opened the second half with a try and soon completed his hat-trick after leaving the defence in his wake. Mike Rowe and Smerdon converted a try each. Dave Vince and Dan Boreham completed the back row which again won a heap of possession.

Mike Rowe at full back gave his team a lot of territory with his long clearance kicks out of defence, with winger Jed Bolt hungry for both tackles and ball.

Tom Vanstone playing out of position at outside centre was solid in defence and combined well with Smerdon.

Hayward, Lawson and Wheatley shared the second row positions and made the hard yards with Hayward showing good skills in the lineout.

l Tavistock Colts team: Andy Dicks, Will Branfield, Rob Finch, Dan Hayward, Sam Lawson, Mark Wheatley, Ali Lobban, Dave Vince, Dan Boreham, Alex Moy, Doug Lloyd, Sam Smerdon, Tom Vanstone, Simon Braithewaite, Jed Bolt, Mike Rowe. Coach Jeff Lawson.

Picture by James Bird