North Tawton 3

Wessex 10

NORTH Tawton commenced this game promisingly with strong attack and defence although it didn't take long before North Tawton started giving away penalties. However, Wessex appeared to have less discipline than them.

North Tawton's decision to try the backs in new positions seemed to have its advantage with Keith Jones playing at outside centre with his strong fast running, and Bill Sharp playing at scrum-half with his ability to make quick decisions breaking the defence line. Though North Tawton put on the pressure from the kick off, Wessex still managed to find the gap to score the first try of the game within the first five minutes, due to incorrect positioning from the defence line allowing Wessex to slip through between the centre and wing.

North Tawton did not let this score so soon into the game have an effect on them and kept putting Wessex under pressure forcing Wessex to give away a penalty which was kicked by fullback Jack Phare. North Tawton continued to apply the pressure with hooker, Alfie May, and backs, Bill Sharp breaking through the defence. Unfortunately, the lack of overall experience in the backs meant the support was not there to turn these efforts into scores, resulting in 7-3 at half-time.

The second half again started off well with great defence and as expected superb tackling by Dan Dennis resulting in a turn-over ball followed by a powerful long kick to touch. Both teams battled it out but neither could get close enough to the try line. It was a very even game. However it did not take long for Wessex to add further points on to the scoreboard with a conceded penalty. North Tawton had good defence though they needed to push up stopping Wessex from gaining those yards, and it was clear that they were getting exhausted towards the end as their defence line started to become more staggered.

The match ended in 10-3. Though North Tawton prove every time to have a strong defence work needs to be made in attack particularly in the backs, as well as improving discipline to stop throwing away so many penalties.