Tribute Devon one

Plymouth Alb Oaks 25

North Tawton 18

WITHIN the first few minutes at the Horsham Fields ground of Plymouth Albion Oaks it was evident that North Tawton's scrum was in good form as they shoved Oaks back decisively. This was followed by some good kicking by fly half Rob North and centre David Fewings to take Tawton to a line-out five metres from the Oaks' try line. A set scrum was given and Tawton blitzed the opposition pack to drive over and hooker Alfie May touched down. The conversion by Fewings made it 7-0 to the visitors.

The domination in scrums and the line-outs by Tawton took the wind from Oaks' sails and it was some time before they regained their composure. A break following a 22 metre drop and strong running by Oaks' centre Bradley Hart exposed a gap for right wing Ben Piper to score. Oaks' next score came from a break at a scrum by their second row forward Rees Curral. He was felled by full back Bill Sharp, but Oaks scored as their loose head prop followed up to touch down and leave the score at half time 10-7 to the Oaks.

Early in the second half Tawton levelled with a penalty kick by Oaks, converted by David Fewings. Some loose play by Tawton then gave Oaks a tap penalty which led to Curral scoring under the posts. The conversion by fly half Tom West took Oaks 17-10 ahead.

The next attack by Oaks was stopped by a good tackle by Tawton's right wing Jack Phare, leading to a break away by David Fewings, who was pushed into touch near the line. Two long-distance penalty attempts by North Tawton both fell short as they tried to capitalise on their pack's domination. Despite a good clearance by Tawton's wing Phare Oaks threatened and a ruck took them to 15 metres from the Tawton line when the visiting pack took control.

A mistake by the visitors gave Oaks a penalty inside the Tawton 22 metre area which led to a drop goal by fly half West to push their lead to 20-10. In the closing minutes Oaks' powerful second row Curral went over to make it 25-10 at the final whistle.

On the positive side was the performance of the pack behind front row Pete Wonnacott, Alfie May, Tom Phillips and sub Adam Davis, and the play of Dave Gibbs and James Miller in the back row and Jack Phare on the wing. North Tawton are now sixth in the table.