Tavistock U14s 0
Crediton U14s 35
TAVISTOCK were knocked out of round 1 of the U14 Devon Cup by Crediton, last year's finalists.
Tavistock started brightly with penetrating running from the backs by Jimmy Hubbard, Doug Willatts and quick support play by the Tavistock pack led by Hammy. The pack excelled themselves in rucks and mauls often being first to arrive at loose play in numbers, winning much of the ball from this phase of play.
Tavistock looked like scoring a number of times, once from a determined loping run by Arun Churchill on the wing and again by Jack Newton cleverly side-stepping his opposite number on a breakaway run from deep in defence.
Crediton played to their strengths, using their fast mobile backs to good effect. punching holes in Tavistock's defences with determined running.
Man of the match: Jack Newton.
This week training at Tavistock's home ground, 10am to noon.
Kingsbridge U13s 0
Tavistock U13s 15
HEAVY rain tried to thwart a hard fought running game, but credit to both teams who ran the ball at every opportunity
Tavistock's forwards dominated the first 15 minutes. Their flankers Bancroft and J Smith harried Kingsbridge.
From a driving maul set up by Robinson and Barnes, Lashbrooke and Leeson turned it into a ruck. Lane released O'Neill whose strength drove him over the line to score.
Tavistock's backs were not to be outdone. Milligan at fly half continually found the gap giving centres Thompson and Warlow the chance to show their dexterity.
The second half started at a tidal wave pace, Kingsbridge tried everything to break through, but Cuthbert, Evans, Hall and Perkins took control. Bancroft set up a quick ruck ball which Lane picked up, jigging his way through to the line.
Savage and M Smith were soon in the thick of things. Savage topped a fine blindside move from Kingsbridge. M Smith helped Tavistock to get within ten metres of the Kingsbridge line. James ripped out and crashed over to score Tavistock's third try.
Liskeard U11s 14
Tavistock U11s 26
WITH a number of regular players absent many of the Tavistock side found themselves in unfamiliar roles, but an excellent team effort brought them a well deserved victory.
The first half ended with Tavistock ahead by three pushover tries courtesy of Mark Friend, Josh Leeson and Rhys Durnford, two of which were successfully converted by Elliot Hoyte.
The home side started the second half with renewed effort and determined play by Liskeard required great discipline and concentration from Tavistock in response.
Safe handling by Jack Haigh, Philip Snell and Jake Case stifled attacks from Liskeard kicks on several occasions, but two converted tries from the home side brought them to within five points of the Tavistock score with five minutes to play.
Liskeard sensed the win could be theirs and applied enormous pressure to the Tavistock line. But the defence replied with greater determination, particularly from Elliot Northmore and Charlie Hubbard.
The result was finally settled in Tavistock's favour by one of the best passing moves of the game as a breakaway involving Barnaby Frost and Rhys Durnford among others allowed Friend to score his second try in the corner in the final seconds.
Liskeard U10S 30
Tavistock U10S 20
THIS tough well fought match saw Tavistock go down largely because of two fine solo tries from Liskeard.
Tavistock, although missing two of their regular squad, put in a fine performance, with early pressure on the Liskeard touch-line resulting in the first try for Louis Ferguson.
This was immediately countered by Liskeard who jinked through the patchy Tavistock defence to score their first try.
Liskeard piled on the pressure, winning many of the scrums and scoring a further three tries by half-time.
A stiff team talk from coach Duncan Law engendered better teamwork and tackling in the second half, resulting in tries for Ed Longden, a second for Ferguson and one for Monty Burdfield. Michael Brain also made some excellent runs but Liskeard fought back strongly and only great defending from Joe Thompson, Jonathan Witherstone, Hallam Bourton and 'new-boy' Richard Coker helped contain them to two more tries.
l If any Year 5 boys or girls would like to have a go at rugby in a friendly and supportive atmosphere, please come to training, starting 10am on Sunday November 9 at Sandy Park.
Liskeard U7s 0
Tavistock U7s 45
JUDGING by the display on Sunday at Liskeard Tavistock U7s spent most of the half-term holiday practising their running and handling skills. They turned in a performance which should keep them smiling until Christmas.
Matthew Dobie opened the scoring and went on to record a fine hat-trick of tries as he weaved his way through the tight Liskeard defensive lines. Barney Megicks, Emmeline Hoyte and Edward marshalled the Tavistock defence so well that not a single try was conceded.
Alex Ferguson extended his try-scoring run with two skilful touchdowns. Tom Jackman (2) and Zak Brinkhurst scored their first tries in Tavistock colours with Jackman's second try resulting from intelligent support play after a devastating break by Brinkhurst. Harry Snowden rounded off the scoring with a determined drive over the line.
Player of the match: Zak Brinkhurst.