Buckfastleigh 17
North Tawton 7
IN this important league fixture, which North Tawton needed to win, the visitors suddenly found themselves seven points down after seven minutes to a converted Buckfastleigh try.
North Tawton, playing up hill and with the wind in their faces, made hard work of the game and seemed to lack urgency.
But their spirits were lifted when veteran winger David Quick made an excellent interception on the halfway line and beat the cover defence to touch down in the corner. Outside half John Stone made an excellent conversion from the touchline to level the scores.
North Tawton found themselves pinned in their own 25 and trying desperately to get out. An unfortunate miskicked clearance by North Tawton went to the Buckfastleigh three quarters and sent them over for their second converted try.
On the stroke of half-time North Tawton gave away a penalty to Buckfastleigh who were 17-7 up at the break.
With the slope and wind at North Tawton's back they could have easily overhauled the 10 points deficit, but although they pinned the home side down a lack of basics and urgency let them down.
Adrian Grimshaw had a good game in his debut but with an ever growing injury list in both Firsts and Seconds North Tawton find themselves bottom of the league.
l North Tawton are at home to Saltash in the second round of the Tetley Vase while the Seconds travel to Bideford Thirds, kick-off 3pm.