Western Counties
Tavistock 6
Kingsbridge 50
TAVISTOCK first XV opened their season and were roundly drubbed by a Kingsbridge side who looked fitter, faster and who reacted quicker.
The game as a contest was over by half time when Kingsbridge had rattled up a 38-6 lead. Tavistock started well and took the game to Kingsbridge and put together a series of good phases of play. However a series of mistakes while in possession allowed Kingsbridge to counter attack from all parts of the field and the result was they scored five converted tries and also kicked a penalty goal. Even while conceding points Tavistock continued to probe the Kingsbridge defence but continuity was a continual problem.
The Kingsbridge first half tries came from Mike Powell, Neil Darke, Ted Lee, Ben Newman and number eight Jake Cope got the final try of the half. In reply Tavistock scored via two penalty goals from full back Richard West.
The second half was a far more even affair with Tavistock working hard in the forwards and eliminating the mistakes out wide that had cost them dear in the first half.
In fact Tavistock kept their line intact until the last ten minutes of the half when Kingsbridge made superior numbers count, Tavistock lost centre Doug Lloyd to injury and had previously used all their replacements, running in a further two tries.
Tavistock did have a couple of opportunities to convert pressure into points but unfortunately when in the Kingsbridge 22 lost possession at crucial times.
Second half try scores for Kingsbridge were James Trout and Mike Powell. Ben Newman kicked six conversions and a penalty.
n This Saturday Tavistock travel to Newquay Hornets for their second leagues game of the season. Kick off 3pm.