Tavistock 7

Plymouth Civil Service 0

THE close score reflects a hard-fought game, played in difficult conditions and with much at stake.

Civil Service have struggled to hold their own in Devon 1 this season. Relegation for Civil was not the only factor at stake. Psychologically it was an important game to win, as the teams meet again next week in the semi-final of the Lockie Cup.

Unforeseen circumstances before the game led to the absence of Tavistock flanker Darren Cole. Coach, Chris Greatrex, was once again recalled from retirement to fill the position.

Tavistock, sponsored by South West Acrylics, played with the strong wind in the fist half and dictated the passage of play with fly-half Martin Credicott kicking the ball deep into the Civil half.

In cold and muddy conditions, handling proved difficult, but both teams took their opportunities to run the ball. The strong rucking and mauling of the Tavistock pack was difficult for the Civil side to contain.

The formidable back-row of Chris Greatrex, Matt Cole and Paul Greenhill combined effectively with the front and second-row bulk of Jim Jefferies, Andy Hunt and Rob Monk to force pay to the Civil line.

Shortly before half-time second phase runs from the Tavistock forwards, combined with a rolling maul brought Tavistock to within 20 yards of the opposition line. Second row giant Lee Easton saw an opening on the blind wing, and peeled from the back towards the line. The opposite winger hung on, but was unable to bring Easton down as he crashed over for Tavistock's try. Credicott converted and Tavistock took a well-deserved lead.

Civil played with renewed vigour throughout the second half and the defensive ability of the three-quarters was well tested. There were outstanding efforts made by Paul Allen and Mark Baker in clearing the Tavistock line. Some luck was with the Moorlanders as several penalty kicks were missed by Civil.

It was Tavistock who looked most like scoring on the occasions that play was taken back to the Civil half, however. Lee Easton was involved again when the ball moved smoothly along the line and he linked well with winger Simon Beatty, drawing the defender, and giving Beatty a good run, to be brought down just short of the line.

The win was narrow enough, however, for Tavistock to prepare thoroughly for next week's semi-final.

If anyone is interested in joining Tavistock RFC they are welcome to join at training at the club at 7pm Tuesdays and Thursdays, or may phone Paul Greenhill the club captain on 01822 616792.