Western Counties (West)

Newquay 17

Tavistock 18

TAVISTOCK earned their first win of the season at the second attempt winning on the road at Newquay Hornets.

The visitors started the game well and a mixture of driving forward play and some good hands in the backs saw Tavistock dominating. In particular forwards Mark Kerswill, Steve Long and Andrew Griffiths were impressive making the hard yards setting up good field position.

The opening score came after 20 minutes when some good hands in the backs worked the ball to the left for centre Danny Luffman to score wide out.

Tavistock continued to apply the pressure and the new half back combination of David Goodspeed and Jake Luffman settled down and continually probed the Newquay defence. This helped create the second Tavistock try which was again scored by Danny Luffman, this time wide on the right. The visitors again extended their lead with a penalty goal from full back Richard West whose kick went over via an upright.

Just before half time in a rare visit to the Tavistock 22 Newquay got on the score board with a penalty goal from scrum half Sam Cullen.

Facing a strong breeze in the second half Tavy were pinned in their own territory for the first 20 minutes. After collapsing a driving maul Tavy had Steve Long sent to the sin bin for ten minutes and with the man advantage Newquay seized their opportunity and scored two tries — the first from number eight and skipper Stuart Williams and the second from fly half Liam Freeman. Chevy Read kick both conversion to give Newquay a four point lead coming into the final quarter. Tavistock threw everything at their hosts to secure victory but wave after wave of attacks were repelled by a stubborn Newquay defence. However, Newquay gave away a series of penalties which allowed Tavistock to get closer to a score.

Deep into injury time Tavistock were again awarded a penalty which they kicked to touch five metres from the Newquay line. A good line out take was driven forward and flanker Duncan Law claimed the try which gave Tavistock a one point lead. Richard West missed the conversion but Newquay had no time to respond as the referee blew his whistle for the end of the game.

n This Saturday Tavistock host North Petherton in the Western Counties League. Kick-off 3pm.