TAVISTOCK, captained by Kirsty McCall, went into their first match of the season with a lot of girls who have moved up from the under 15's last year, many of them not sure what to expect.
The home side was bolstered by three girls from Collumpton RFC, Kelly who played in second row and Paige, who played on the wing. Both had great games and helped themselves to two tries each.
Player of the match Elsey Kirby was outstanding at fly half, linking the backs and the forwards well and tackling bravely, scrum half Racheal Watson gave her plenty of options with some fantastic service.
Hooker Clara Nielson had her usual game, dominant in the loose and ferocious in the tackle, her work rate was high and she helped herself to a hat-trick of tries.
Beth Neave, stepping up from the 15's, didn't look out of place, with some great sidestepping and powerful running, she made several breaks and scored a superb try.
This really was a team performance and all the girls played a wonderful free flowing game — off loading in the tackle was a feature of the play as well as a solid all round game.
New kicker Elspeth Mckellar wowed the crowd with five out of eight shots at goal going over. All of the girls should be proud of a great performance, and look forward to a full season.
Any girls interested in playing rugby can come to training on a Thursday evening at Tavistock RFC at 6pm.
Tavistock Girls U15s 21
Plymouth Albion U15s 0
THE opening game saw Tavistock run in three great team tries, catching Albion out with their ability to keep the ball alive in the tackle and improved fitness through a good pre-season. Notable performers on debut were Dawe and Rodgers, who were outstanding in attack and in cleaning up 50/50 ball. Tries came from Bull; who ran half the length of the pitch to touch down under the posts, after good link up play from McCall and Huntly and Upcott scoring her first try for Tavistock with some strong direct running!
Tavistock Girls U15s 7
Cullumpton Girls U15s 0
THE second game was fought hard between sides of two contrasts. Cullumptons much larger pack made inroads in the Tavistock defence, but strong tackling, particularly from Cowie, forced many a turnover.
These led to Tavistock being quick on the counter and again catching the oppostion off guard. Play was sensible from the new U15 squad, with only two line-outs conceeded in both games, correct decision making and ball carrying skills were apparent.
Another debutant, Hoare, showed her potential linking well on the wing and showing signs of a natural finisher. Player of the Day was Cowie for her devastating tackling and knowledge of her position.
A great start to the season for the girls and credit must be given for the excellent numbers at training and good attitude towards the game.