Salcombe 53

North Tawton 5

BOTTOM of the table North Tawton took the long trip to Salcombe, lying second in the table.

In cold and misty conditions the visitors took a long time to get warmed up and before they knew it Salcombe centre Ashley Spencer scored a try through the middle. With his class he was to create havoc in the North Tawton defence and quickly scored another.

North Tawton rallied and began to take the game to the home side, with Pete Bragg at prop having a great time in the sets and putting in some great runs to spur the forwards. The welcome return of Phil Whale at outside half strengthened the backs.

From a Salcombe lineout Rob Borley plunged over, but when North Tawton looked under the cosh they had a good breakout and saw back row Adam Hopper outrun the Salcombe defence to score a try a little against the run of play.

This spurred the visitors and Salcombe winger Pete Bastom scored on the stroke of half-time to leave the score 22-5 at the break.

Straight from the kick-off Spencer got the ball and was through for another excellent try.

Despite excellent defending, especially by Ryan King having a good game on the wing, and Rob MacBain playing out of position on the other wing, North Tawton were unable to stem the tide and further Salcombe tries came from full back Lee King and Spencer.

When a Salcombe forward was red-carded North Tawton again sparked to life and put pressure on the home side. They managed to pin them in their own half but the final break-through never happened.

In the dying moments tries by Peter Bastom and Spencer gave a flattering result to the home side.

North Tawton are home in a friendly against South Molton this Saturday, kick off 2.30pm.