Exeter Saracens 33
North Tawton 12
A SLIGHTLY flattering scoreline for Saracens, but North Tawton played their part well in this entertaining match.
Saracens started strongly with early pressure catching North Tawton cold, but they began to put their game together. The forwards drove forward in loose led by example with veterans Neil Davies and Phil Arnold setting the pattern.
Wing forward Danny North went over for a deserved try.
The North Tawton forwards kept up their pressure with some skilful interhandling and rucking. From a ruck, scrum half Malc Fewings put centre John Stone away for a classic try converted by Joe Fewings to put the visitors 12-0 up.
Saracens came back with a converted try in the centre and the game became exciting.
But it was Saracens who got a touch-down in the corner on the stroke of half time.
After the interval, with the wind at their backs, North Tawton looked more than capable of winning, but it was not to be.
Poor defending let Saracens in for their third try, then the home side brought on a quick winger who was immediately in the action with a breakout try from a good kick ahead.
A try in the dying minutes put the icing on the cake for Saracens.
A disappointing second half, but North Tawton can take heart from a good display by the front row of Mike Barney, Neil Davis and Fred Bolt, and the welcome return of Andy Pyle in the back row.
l North Tawton are looking for a home fixture this Saturday, kick-off 2.30pm.