Devon Junior Cup
North Tawton Firsts 0
Old Technicians Firsts 18
ON a bitterly cold afternoon North Tawton took on a Plymouth side two leagues above them.
The game started evenly with both sides looking to dominate.
It looked as though the first side to score might win the match and it proved to be when a speculative kick ahead by Old Techs was knocked on into the North Tawton 22.
Some good backing up saw Warren Baker trundle over for a soft try.
The game continued to be played in the midfield of no man's land and although scrappy Old Techs with their heavier and more experienced forwards began to take control in the rucks and mauls.
New recruit Dave Willis for North Tawton came on for Graham Killick, who must consider himself unlucky as he is having a good season at full back.
In the final minutes of the first half North Tawton were unlucky to concede another try from loose play and within minutes had a penalty against them on the stroke of half-time, to let the visitors steal the initiative to lead.
North Tawton came back strongly after the restart and with their backs in fine form began to dominate the back division.
But in quick succession North Tawton had two disallowed tries which were adjudged knocked on before grounded. They began to realise it was not going to be their day.
But one of the many things North Tawton have got going for them this season, and probably the most important, is team spirit.
It was against the run of play that Old Techs' winger Churcher scored a try in the dying minutes.
This was often an ill-tempered match which saw one Old Tech player red-carded. However, North Tawton can take heart that when injured players return and the front line is strengthened with a bit of experience they will again be a club to be reckoned with.
l North Tawton Firsts are at home this Saturday, kick-off 2.30pm, to Okehampton Seconds, always a highly entertaining local derby.