Okehampton College 10

Tavistock College 36

TAVISTOCK recorded another victory, but it does not give the whole picture as they had 13 players out due to injuries and other commitments.

There were first team debuts to seven players: James Armstrong (Yr 12), Fraser Parkhouse (Yr 11) and also 5 Yr 10 players who made the step up at least a year before they could have expected. They were Joel Smith, Ross Tregidgo, Tom Pain, Tom Pearson and George Scott. James, Joel and Fraser started the match while the other four players were replacements.

Tavistock took the lead in the eighth minute. The move started on the right with quick ball allowing the backs to make good ground. Neat interplay between Joel Smith and Mark Ewings allowed John Pain to cross the line in the left hand corner.

The try was followed by a tremendous forwards' try, as they kept recycling the ball through several phases of play which finished with Jude Rotton scoring. Alex Rose added the conversion.

Tavistock continued to dominate but without creating any clear cut chances until the final 10 minutes of the half when they crossed twice through Mark Ewings and Wayne Moussali. In the last couple of minutes Moussali raced 50 yards to score a fine individual try, which made the half-time score, 22-0 in Tavistock's favour.

At half-time the four remaining Year 10 players were brought on with Ross Tregidgo at full back, Tom Pain on the wing, Tom Pearson at lock and George Scott as flanker. Adam Williams came on as a winger.

The second half saw Tavistock dominating, but not making any inroads towards the Okehampton line. That was until Pain jinxed through two men to score a try in the corner, which completed a great family game as elder brother John had opened the scoring.

Fifteen minutes before the end Mike Knapman picked up a loose ball and showed strength and determination to cross for a try, which was converted by Sutton.

A lack of concentration allowed Okehampton to record two un-converted tries. Then in the final minutes Rose followed his own delightful grubber kick to complete the scoring.