Devon Junior Cup

Old Technicians 32

North Tawton 12

NORTH Tawton started this first round match well, putting Old Techs under pressure close to their line for some time.

Although they went over the line twice the ball was not grounded and the Plymothians' defence held out. Finally the visitors had to make do with a penalty kick for goal which was pulled across the posts so they came away with nothing for their efforts.

As Old Techs got into their stride their attack was twice disrupted by try-saving tackles from Tawton's Tom Chisholm at full back. An open move down the left led to two penalties to Old Techs. They opted to go for the lineouts and from the second attempt an Old Techs player broke from the back to go over for the first try. As the conversion skimmed over the bar the home side moved to 7-0 with 25 minutes played.

A good break out by Tawton's flanker Glen Walters was countered by one from the Old Techs which could have led to a try but for tackling back by Tawton centre Mike Young. Tom Chisholm took the loose ball and made a run, supported on the wing by Rob McBain. This foray came to naught, but shortly afterwards another solo break by Chisholm was rewarded with a try to make it 5-7 at half time.

A penalty to Tawton off the first move of the second half could have set them up for the second period but it failed to carry and although they maintained their attack they messed up a move off the back of a scrum 15 metres out and lost momentum. Old Techs responded well and got a penalty in front of Tawton's posts for an offside call; this was converted to take them to 10-5. They started to boss the match and although Tawton defended their line fiercely Old Tech's fly half finally broke through for a try. The conversion took the score to 17-5.

This boosted Old Techs' confidence and they ran in two more tries to take them on to a 27-5 lead. North Tawton were not finished however and came back with a break out down the right wing by Aaron Hart. His chip through was collected by Mike Young following up well. Old Techs reformed their defence and stemmed the attack but Tawton recycled the ball effectively and finally worked it loose for Rob McBain to force his way over the line for a try out on the left wing. A good conversion by fly half Jack Phare took Tawton to 12 points.

In the closing phases it was Old Techs who were in charge, camped in the Tawton 10 metre area, and although the Tawton scrum held out well the pressure finally told and Old Techs broke the defensive line for a final try.