Devon 1
Old Plymothians 14
Tavistock 24
TAVISTOCK took a big step forward in their quest for the division 1 title with this victory over their nearest rivals on Saturday and are now two points clear at the top.
The Old Boys put Tavistock under early pressure, especially at the scrummage, but the defence held firm and the front row of Monk, Sleep and Hurdwell dominated their opposite numbers.
With former Cornwall No 8 making his return debut for the club the forwards started winning plenty of loose ball. Together with back row colleagues Tom Dawe and Paul Greenhill he created problems for the Old Boys with close driving play.
With secure possession Tavistock started to work the corners with Neil Evans and Josh Sutton pinning the Old Boys deep in defence with pinpoint kicking. From this pressure Neil Evans put Tavistock in front with two converted penalties.
Tavistock went further ahead when Evans and Duncan Law combined in midfield to put full back Mark Baker through for a try under the posts. Evans converted then kicked two penalty goals to give Tavistock a 20-point lead.
The screw was further tightened as scrum half Lee Greatrex moved up the blind side from a ruck and the ball was transferred via Evans to Josh Sutton on the wing who squeezed in at the corner. Sutton was injured in the act of scoring and was
replaced by Matt Witcher returning to action after a three-month absence through injury.
In the second half Tavistock had to face the strong wind and with the aid of this the Old Boys attempted to keep them pinned in their own half. Sound defence by centres Law and Mike Lyddon ensured there was no way through midfield where the Old Boys repeatedly unleashed attacks. When forced to kick to touch they found Tavistock locks Darren Cole and Andy Hunt in soaring form.
Late in the game Tavistock found themselves attacking deep in Old Boys territory. But the ball was turned over, the Old Boys counter attacked and worked wing Matt Hague in for a try.
A second try was scored soon after by scrum half Sammy Matts and both were converted by Carl Thomas.
These late reverses served to stir Tavistock and they regained their concentration to finish the game in control.
The players expressed thanks to the large number of Tavistock supporters who travelled to Plymouth for making this important away fixture seem like a game at Sandy Park.
This week Tavistock entertain Exeter Saracens at Sandy Park, kick off 2.30pm.
This match precedes Tavistock?s trip to London the following week when they will be travelling to Campion RFC, who are based in Romford, for the sixth round Powergen Vase game.