Devon 3

Salcombe 31

North Tawton 0

AFTER the long trip to South Devon North Tawton were caught cold in the first few minutes when Salcombe came hard at them.

A quick penalty put the Salcombe No 12 over in the centre, which was converted to put the home side 7-0 up.

Salcombe continued to have the better of the play, although North Tawton were ably led by Phil Arnold as captain.

After 15 minutes of play, some strong Salcombe pressure led to another converted try to put the home side 14-0 up.

North Tawton came back strongly and the forwards started to make some impressive rucks and mauls into the Salcombe half.

North Tawton benefited from good line kicking by outside half Joe Fewings, pinning the home side back.

This was backed up by excellent lineout ball by Neil Peters.

But when two penalty opportunities were wasted one felt it was not going to be North Tawton's day.

They continued to press and were doing this when the half-time whistle went.

After the break play was even with both sides having their moments in a rather disjointed game.

North Tawton had their best passage of play with the forwards putting together some good passages of ball retention and putting the home side under considerable pressure.

But they were unable to utilise this possession and turn it into points.

Salcombe came back strongly in the last quarter to put together a penalty and two converted tries and put the game beyond doubt, with a scoreline that slightly flattered them.

l North Tawton are at home to Bodmin Seconds this Saturday, kick-off 2.30pm.

North Tawton Under 8s and Under 10s take on Topsham this Sunday morning.