North Tawton 5

Exeter Saracens 34

THE first 20 minutes of this league encounter was very equal but then Saracens got two penalties which they converted.

A breakaway try by the Saracens seemed to set the seal on the match.

Despite good defence in the centre, especially by newcomer Jim Hancock, it was not long before Saracens went further ahead when a penalty move left the score at half-time 20-0.

The second half saw North Tawton win their fair share of set ball, but beaten in loose play.

The last quarter saw North Tawton's best phase of play.

They pressurised the Saracen's line and were rewarded with a penalty which saw lock Gary Dennis crash over for an unconverted try, but league leaders Saracens eventually ran out well deserved winners.

Saracens Seconds 34

North Tawton Seconds 10

PLAYING against a strong wind, the first half saw North Tawton match the home side with some good individual play.

Despite three tries by Saracens North Tawton were well in contention with a try from the base of the scrum, by No 8 Danny North. However, the loss of prop forward Chez Hill reduced the visitors to 14 men and from then on it was bound to be an uphill struggle.

At 17-5 at half-time so it proved. Despite purple patches by this experienced but slower North Tawton side it was a game always out of their reach.

l North Tawton are away to Crediton Seconds this Saturday while North Tawton Seconds entertain Crediton Thirds at home, both kick-off 2.30pm.