Tavistock 22

Topsham 5

IN a game again played in heavy conditions, Tavistock playing up the slope but with a strong wind, made an excellent start scoring a try wide on the left.

The touchdown was by Mike Lyddon, who has been playing excellently in recent games.

After the try Tavistock had most of possession and territory but did not really make the most of it until a turnover of ball enabled Neil Evans to make an incisive break, evading several defenders and finally offloading to Lyddon. He had the simple task of running the ball in from ten yards to score under the posts. The try was converted by Sutton to give Tavistock a healthy 12-0 lead but with the wind playing a big part it was important for them to build on this before the turnaround.

This they did thanks to captain Matt Cole who scored his first try of the season following a period of sustained pressure and excellent play by the pack. The Topsham defenders held out for as long as possible but eventually the pressure told.

The second half was all about containing any Topsham fightback. But it did not arise thanks to the stern defence of the home side and their desire to continue to take the game to the visitors.

There were some good periods with excellent interplay between backs and forwards in which the ball was kept alive for several phases and it was one such occasion that led to Tavistock?s final try, scored by second row Lee Easton who had a good overall match.

This all but sealed the victory, however, Topsham did score a late consolation try.

This result means Tavistock remain third in the league, hoping OPMs slip up in their final matches to enable the Moorlanders to claim second place and a play-off game for promotion.