Okehampton Colts 5
Tavistock Colts 10
TAVISTOCK travelled with a strong side for this local derby.
Despite looking lethargic they opened the scoring with a good try by Doug Lloyd.
Okehampton kept Tavistock under pressure for most of the first half with their forwards dominating possession in the rucks and mauls. Only exceptional defence by the backs limited them to one try.
Boreham, Rowe, Lloyd and Child kept the midfield defence solid. Jack Derges, playing his first game of the season and his first at full back, gave an imperious display in defence making four try-saving tackles. He also enjoyed good cross-field runs after fielding up and unders.
The second half saw a more determined display from Tavistock. Forwards Vince, Wheatley and Branfield kept up close support in the rucks to deny Okehampton a lot of quick phase ball.
The pressure almost saw a try from the wings but it was thwarted by a spilled pass. Continued pressure produced the move of the match and the winning try after a scrum against the head by Branfield. The ball was passed through all the backs' hands for wing Luke Dumper to take a difficult pass and outstrip the defence to touch down.
Okehampton rallied to put pressure on the Tavistock defence for the last ten minutes but without success.
Mike Rowe shaved the posts with his two conversion attempts.
This was an exciting game to watch and both sides should be proud of their commitment, skill and teamwork.