Devon Merit League division three South West
Kingsbridge seconds 37
Tavistock thirds 11
Tavistock thirds were playing their first game for four weeks and the lack of match practice and fitness showed in Tavistock's performance.
This was particularly true in the first half when they spent much of the time on the back foot, trying to repel the constant pressure from the useful home side.
However, after 25 minutes, Tavistock were actually leading 6-3 —thanks to two penalty goals from flyhalf Seb Dix to one penalty to Kingsbridge.
The home team then scored their first try following some good driving play from their forwards. The try was converted and was followed by another penalty a few minutes later.
Just before half-time Kingsbridge notched another try on the end of a good move from their backs, making the interval score 18 - 6 to the home side.
Tavistock started to play more fluent rugby after the interval and 10 minutes into the half were rewarded with a try for prop Sean Bolton after some good pick and drive play from the forwards.
The game stayed poised at 18-11 for the next 20 minutes, but although Tavistock enjoyed the majority of possession, they could not breach the solid Kingsbridge defence again.
The home side brought on several replacements for the final 10 minutes and the fresh legs against some tiring Tavistock legs, produced three tries, including two in the last three minutes, which with two conversions, brought the final score to 37-11, and giving a rather false picture of the game.
For Tavistock, the front row of Sean Bolton, Mike Jenkins and Eric Sprangle put in sterling performances against a much heavier pack. Full back Doug King made some good runs and also produced several try saving tackles, particularly in the first half. Jim Dunford made some strong runs on the left wing and also defended well, until he had to go off injured mid-way through the second half.
• Tavistock thirds are in Ellis Cup semi-final on Saturday, when they are away to Plympton Victoria at the St Boniface Arena.