Devon and Cornwall League
Tavistock 37
OPMs 0
TAVISTOCK completed a comprehensive five-try victory over the Old Boys on Saturday that continues their push for a promotion place.
The home side, however, were made to work hard for the win and were only 18 points up on the hour. However Tavistock's superior fitness showed in the final quarter when they rattled up three tries in quick succession.
In the first half hour Tavistock raced into an 18 point lead but some stern defence by the Old Boys either side of half time kept them at bay.
The first score came after a period of pressure by the forwards; the ball was moved along the backs and centre Matt Witcher provided the scoring pass for full back Andy Wright. James Kaminski converted.
Tavistock kept up the pressure and Billy Brown in the centre made excellent yardage that helped to set up the second home try.
A last ditch tackle by the Old Boys' flanker denied Tavistock winger James Hennessey a try but a misdirected clearance kick fell into centre Matt Witcher's arms and he had only to fall over to claim the try.
The remainder of the first half scoring came via the boot of James Kaminski with two penalties.
After absorbing a period of pressure early in the second half Tavistock worked their way deep into Old Boys' territory with some penetrating runs from Andy Griffiths and Jake Phillips. Flanker Jude Rotten scored a try to cap an outstanding individual performance.
Matt Witcher then grabbed a second try; the ball was moved along the line and ignoring a three-man overlap Witcher crashed over for the score.
With the Old Boys tiring centre Billy Brown then made deep inroads into their defence with a run along the right hand touchline and he supplied the scoring pass to the evergreen Will Tomkins.
James Kaminski converted two of the second half scores.
* This Saturday Tavistock travel to Camborne for a fourth round fixture in the EDF National Senior Vase. Kick off 2pm.