Tavistock U13s 7

TAVISTOCK, without four of their regular players because of injury, had to make a hasty reshuffle and introduced some players making their debut.

With a strong gale blowing into their faces for the first half Tavistock conceded only one score and absorbed the pressure thrown at them.

The new half back pairing of Thompson and Hall started working the defence with some hard tackles. The speed of Cuthbert provided some great use in the cover tackles.

With the backs defending well, the new set scrummage started to push the larger Kingsbridge pack off the ball. In the front row Barnes kept scrummaging despite a niggling injury, Matt Smith was a powerhouse in the loose and Lashbrook made several surging forward charges that gained ground.

In the second half Tavistock had the advantage of the wind and started to dominate loose play through Leeson and O'Neill. A well worked move using the back row of Robinson, Smerdon and Jon Smith resulted in O'Neill driving over the line for a try converted by Thompson.

Realising that their opponents were tiring, Tavistock attacked relentlessly with Evans and newcomer Savage on the wings catching the full back in possession while deep inside his own half.

The fine display was rounded off by some fine try-saving tackles by Perkins.

Tavistock U14s 0

Kingsbridge U14s 40

TAVISTOCK'S defences were breached eight times as Kingsbridge demonstrated powerful running off the ball by fly half and centres. Tavistock played their best spell in the second half as the forwards, led by Hammy, drove Kingsbridge back in scrums. Tom Hancock fought tigerishly for maul ball and Jack Hodges left Kingsbridge's defences in tatters as he raced through their backs.

Arun Churchill impressed with incisive running from deep. Man of the match was shared by Tom Hancock for his tireless tackling and chasing of Kingsbridge centres and Jack Hodges for his powerful charges in the second half.

This week there will be a training session on Friday at Tavistock College straight after school finishes, taken by George Pettingell, the team's youth development coach from Plymouth Albion.

This Sunday the game is at home against Devonport Services, meeting at 10am for an 11am kick-off.

Tavistock U8s 40

Newton Abbot U8s 50

TAVISTOCK travelled to Newton Abbot for the first game of the season. Although the home side scored two more tries the teams were evenly matched and Tavistock could have won with a little more focus in

defence.

All the tries scored were the culmination of a series of passes and all players had a hand in their creation.

Annabell Longden scored a fine hat-trick and Charlie Wood made some charging runs to score twice. Aaron Dobie also scored twice on his impressive debut and was the outstanding player in defence.

The final score was made by Max Philips who touched down in the corner.

Tavistock welcome additional players for their mini tag rugby team — no previous experience required — please call Matt on 616625 for further information.