Devon two league North Tawton 17 Plymouth Argaum 19 ONCE again the Centenary pitch beside the fast-running Taw had survived the weather and the match was played in ideal conditions. The start for North Tawton was also ideal when fly-half Paul Fewings converted a penalty kick about ten minutes into the match. Shortly before this Tawton had survived a strong attack down their right flank from the Plymouth Argaum three-quarters as flanker Keith Jones put in a try-saving tackle. North Tawton kept Argaum under pressure from the set pieces, especially from the line-outs where Andy Pyle was able to take several good balls off Adrian Pierce's throwing to give his forwards the chance to drive into the opposition. The rucks and mauls were also well contested by the Tawton pack but the ball was held in too long for the threes to be able to make much of the possession. Several times Argaum were able to clear their line with long kicks downfield. Penalties conceded by Plymouth Argaum allowed Tawton to regain territory through the excellent kicking of Paul Fewings. Ill-discipline by Argaum several times lost them more yardage as they argued with the referee, but Tawton's best chance for more points came after a take against the head by Pierce and a break by full back Tom Davis. A penalty was again given away by Argaum as half time approached but this time the kick was missed, and the score remained three-nil to Tawton at the break. From the restart Plymouth Argaum came into the attack as a long touch kick took them to Tawton's 10 metre line. The home pack defended the line-out well and drove Argaum back. Argaum were able to recycle the ball and a good outside break by their threes stretched the Tawton defence and allowed right wing Andy White to cross the line for their first try; the conversion was missed and the score moved to 3-5 to Argaum. Tawton responded well and were camped on Argaum's line for some time as the visitors defended strongly. A penalty and lineout close in allowed the Tawton pack to set up a good drive and hooker Pierce forced his way over for Tawton's first try, which was converted by Fewings to push the home side into a 10-5 lead. North Tawton were now playing with better commitment but the ball was still not getting out wide, most of the action taking place close to the scrum with the threes living off scraps and defending well against some determined attacking play by Argaum. A good break by their scrum half took his side to about 10 metres out and despite some desperate defence by Tawton fly half Sylvain Loubet broke through to score a try for Argaum. This he also converted and the lead changed hands at 10-12 to the Plymouth team. After a spell of evenly contested play, during which the good kicking of Paul Fewings pushed Tawton into the attack several times, it was Argaum who broke the deadlock with a try from centre and captain Matt Blakeston. He had been a threatening presence in the Argaum line on several occasions and but for the strong tackling by Tawton's threes, notably Mike Symons in the centre, he could have scored earlier. As it was the try was converted by Loubet to extend the lead to 10-19 to the visitors. North Tawton hit back soon after as Argaum were pressurised close to their line and conceded several penalties on the five metre line. From one of these Tawton scrum half David Fewings took a tap and went for the line. Although the defenders had anticipated the move he was able to twist over the line for Tawton's second try. It was converted by Paul Fewings. This set up the perfect finale and the stage was set for a dramatic last chance for Tawton when a penalty against Argaum was awarded 40 metres out. Paul Fewings stepped up as the ball stood in some of the boggiest ground on the pitch and sent it soaring towards the posts, only to drift just to the left of the upright. The final score remained at 17-19 to Plymouth Argaum, and the Tawton squad felt disappointed they had not taken full advantage of their first half chances. Man of the match was awarded to Mike Symons for his tireless efforts and excellent tackling in the centre.
