OPMs 32
Tavistock 15
TAVISTOCK went into this game as holders of the Lockie Cup and with an unbeaten run in the league. Both were ended when a lacklustre start and a number of careless errors allowed an able OPMs side to take a strong lead early on.
OPMs took advantage of the wind in the first half. They kicked deep into Tavistock?s half and arrived at the resulting breakdowns in play quickly and in good numbers. Tavistock seemed to lack urgency and began to make errors. OPMs took their opportunities and kicked three penalties in close succession.
A converted try and a drop goal before half-time seemed to put the game beyond Tavistock?s reach.
For a period after half time, it looked as if Tavistock?s fortune had changed. There were good periods of play towards the end of the first half, especially when the pack managed to keep the ball alive, popping up to other forwards on the crash or releasing the backs with early ball.
Tavistock also used the wind to their advantage and Sutton and Woods kicked deep into OPMs? territory. Suddenly, from a ruck ten metres out, Woods saw a gap and used his impressive turn of pace to dash over the line.
Dunstan followed with a second try soon after.
Tavistock had applied heavy pressure on the OPM defence and some quick handling by the backs gave Dunstan enough time to dive over. The score was now 15-19 and Tavistock were in the game again.
Unfortunately the fortunes turned once more and OPMs intercepted a Tavistock pass to score their second try.
Another try and another drop goal put the game out of Tavistock?s reach and Tavistock out of the Lockie Cup.
Tavistock 2nd XV 29
OPM Academicals 5
IN atrocious conditions Tavistock gave a commanding performance to win against their Plymouth opponents.
The visitors were rocked on 20 minutes when their inside centre had to be stretchered off with a broken ankle and OPMs then seemed to lose their way despite holding Tavistock to a solitary Credicott penalty.
Two tries were scored in quick succession, one by blind-side Paul Williams who tore through the beleaguered visitors? defence and a second from No. 8 Andrew Griffiths off the back of a scrum.
After the break, Tavistock rang the changes bringing on Chris Johns for injured captain John Longden and hooker Ben Sutton for Dave Welsh.
The fresh legs made the difference as Tavistock went on to score a further two tries, the first from Glen Martin following good link up play in the backs and the second from Williams, again breaking two tackles to dive over, which proved the winner.