Tavistock U15s 5

Plymouth Albion U15s 27

Tavistock U15s 0

Exeter Saracens U15s 17

TAVISTOCK girls played two warm-up matches against teams with the biggest squads in Devon. Tavistock were augmented by additional players from Launceston in these first two matches of the season.

In the first match, it was clear that Plymouth wanted to avenge the defeats of last season and started some well co-ordinated attacks, which Tavistock thwarted with some massive tackling. After some good handling by the Tavistock backs the ball went wide to Lauren Dawe who scorched to the line to score.

Plymouth won virtually all the set scrums, giving them much more possession allowing them to take charge of the match with five tries.

This was not a one sided match and Tavistock were unfortunate not to score several times.

In the front row Beth Hodgekiss and Kim Upcott gave strength and power but were opposed by taller heavier girls. They nevertheless showed their ability by forcing the Plymouth girls backwards in the mauls. They were ably supported by Lizzie Crocker at number 8 who was playing for Tavistock for the first time.

In a shortened second match the bigger Exeter Saracens scored three tries.

Throughout both matches, with Tavistock short of possession, their tackling was massive. Lily Hilson up against fast heavy opposite numbers stopped their progress with crunch tackles time after time; only achieved by great technique. Beth Hodgekiss was given the task if marking a 5'8" Exeter prop, who scored 5 tries against Plymouth, whereas Beth prevented her from scoring against Tavistock.

Kayleigh Gatcum moved from the forwards to the backs and was highly successful in her decisive running and excellent tackling. Lilly Mills has great ability with the boot and with more experience is likely to become the playmaker for Tavistock.

Tavistock has much to learn in gaining and keeping possession, in set pieces and in tactics. Nevertheless, these were solid practice matches giving much worthwhile experience to the team.