Buckfastleigh 14

North Tawton 16

NORTH Tawton came up with a much improved performance from recent weeks. It was therefore ironic that Buckfastleigh came up with the first score as a result of a penalty.

But with North Tawton's much improved kicking and mauls they were at last supplying the backs with good quality ball. In a well rehearsed penalty move the ball was sent out for back row forward Kevin Avery to crash over in the corner for a well deserved try.

North Tawton continued to apply pressure and were again rewarded with a John Stone penalty but Buckfastleigh would not lie down and responded with another penalty to leave the score 8-6 at the break.

After the interval the home side and North Tawton traded and swapped penalties and this left the score at 11-9 to the visitors with all to play for.

North Tawton began using their wings and Dave Grimes crossed for an unconverted try in the corner.

As North Tawton sat back Buckfastleigh rallied and despite excellent tackling by newcomer Tony Beer in the centre the home side managed to cross the line in the last minute.

Luckily for North Tawton the conversion was missed.

North Tawton Seconds 7

Exeter Saracens Seconds 23

NORTH Tawton got off to a slow start in this friendly and let the visitors take the upper hand.

After 10 minutes Saracens were 5-0 up due to a sloppy defence.

When North Tawton missed an easy penalty it looked as though the home side had given up. But it seemed to spur them into their best spell. Forwards and backs began to play as a team and shook Saracens with their commitment.

A break by Migel Demis put hooker Adrian Pearce over for a try under the posts which captain Joe Fewings converted.

North Tawton's defence was put under a severe test but they answered well with some excellent tackling.

A quick penalty taken on the stroke of half time by Saracens saw a try which put them up by 10-7 at the break.

Unfortunately, Saracens caught North Tawton napping straight from the kick-off when another quick penalty tap went across for an unconverted try.

From a set scrum Saracens got a push over try which they converted.

North Tawton continued to play a good standard of rugby against strong opposition but lacking the vital set-ball it was always going to be Saracens' day.

l North Tawton are home to Bideford Seconds while the Seconds are away to Bideford Thirds this Saturday, kick-off 3pm.