Tribute Devon two

North Tawton 14

Buckfastleigh 3

CHANGES in the three quarters of North Tawton's team were needed due to injury and unavailability. Dave Quick was in at scrum half and David Fewings moved to fly half, with Keith Jones taking up position in the centre.

In the first half the progress made by the North Tawton forwards was repeatedly countered by strong running by the Buckfastleigh three quarters ending in a stalemate and an unusual half time score of 0-0.

In the second half Tawton showed good strength in the set scrums to push Buckfastleigh off the ball. But Tawton's rucking improved setting up the chance for a good three quarter break by Johnny Grayling. His pass out to Tom Davis found the winger with nowhere to go and he was bundled into touch. Tawton were however dominating the territory game and kept the pressure on the Buckfastleigh line with several pick and drives off the back of rucks.

From a set scrum to Tawton about five metres out the ball was fed to David Fewings and his quick pass out gave Tom Davis just enough room to drive through for the first try. This was well converted by Fewings to make it 7-0 to the home team.

Buckfastleigh responded well and were awarded a penalty about 22 metres out. Fly half Steve Chapple converted the kick for Buckfastleigh's first three points.

North Tawton had a player yellow-carded but this did not affect the determination of the Tawton scrum and they continued to pressurise the visitors.

Once again it was mistakes in the loose play which gave Buckfastleigh chances to clear, but they failed to do so effectively. Buckfastleigh set up another good counter- attack and it took some excellent tackling by Tawton's Rob McBain, Mike Young and Lawrence McKone to stem the breakaway.

The last play came from a loose ball hacked downfield from the 22 metre line by Tawton's David Fewings. He had the pace to win the foot race against the covering winger and coolly dropped on the ball, regained his feet and ran round the defender to touch down for a try.

His conversion sealed the game for Tawton, 14-3 the final score.

• This result leaves North Tawton clear in second place in the league. This week North Tawton are away to Exeter Saracens in a friendly.