Devon two League Ilfracombe 17 North Tawton 0 A GOOD start by North Tawton was soon countered by Ilfracombe as their strong pack set up a drive from Tawton?s five metre line. This brought an infringement by the retreating defensive scrum and a penalty try was awarded. The conversion by the Ilfracombe fly half put the home side 7 -0 up. North Tawton countered well with long kicking by fly half David Fewings making use of the strong wind. They hunted down the loose ball well and forced Ilfracombe to carry over their own try line, but were unable to capitalise from the five metre scrum as they were pushed back by the defending pack. A break by their left wing outflanked the Tawton defence but a brave tackle by full back Tom Davis broke up the attack. Tawton almost had a try following a better scrum on Ilfracombe?s 22 metre line when the ball was worked to Alfie May on the right wing. His driving run broke the defence and good following up by prop Tom Phillips gained more ground. The defence held and play was forced into touch, however. The visitors were unable to secure good line-out ball and the strength of the Ilfracombe pack was starting to have its effect. A scrum close to Tawton?s line gave the Ilfracombe flanker a chance to scramble over for a second try. Tawton attacked the restart with vigour and Richard Lethbridge was up on the lofted ball quickly. Ilfracombe recovered the ball and ended the half with further pressure on the Tawton line, but Tawton were able to clear their lines with some good kicking and at the break the score was 12-0 to Ilfracombe. The second half again saw early pressure from Tawton before Ilfracombe replied with a spirited break and only good cover tackling on the line by Tawton?s Mike Young prevented a try. The home side?s good mauling drive by their pack opened up a gap for their mobile prop to burst through the defence for a try. This was not converted but moved the score on to 17-0 to Ilfracombe. North Tawton?s three-quarter line produced some good running with David Fewings and Chris Martin breaking the gain line several times, but the defence was effective. Dave Quick came on for injured Mike Symons and almost immediately was brought into play as Keith Jones cut through and passed to Quick on the wing. His neat chip kept the move alive, but again Tawton could not finish off the score. Kevin Avery came on to celebrate his 40th birthday weekend by replacing Steve King. The Tawton scrum had been having a better period as the home pack became tired and it was Tawton who finished the match on the offensive but they failed to penetrate the home defence.
