Cornwall and Devon

Falmouth 6

Tavistock 18

CONDITIONS looked to suit the expansive, flowing rugby that Tavistock enjoy and the match began with the ball being pushed wide by both sides.

Tactical kicking from Richard West looked to keep Falmouth deep within their own half but an early counter attack from the Falmouth back three lead to an early penalty which the opposition fly-half duly slotted over.

As the game kicked off again Tavistock sought to convert pressure into points with Danny Luffman running some superb angles and almost breaking through the Falmouth defence.

Strong lineout work by Andy Schuttkacker gave Tavistock the edge in the set piece but poor handling by the normally solid George Rodgers allowed Falmouth to launch a fierce counter attack. Powerful tackling by Mark Friend kept Falmouth at bay until Tavistock conceded a penalty from a collapsed maul directly in front of the posts. The Falmouth 10 slotted it over give the home team a six point lead. However, Tavistock did not let their heads drop and strong running lines from Doug Lloyd combined with tireless rucking work from Adie Baker and the forward pack allowing Tavistock to build momentum. Quick hands by Dan Cunningham put Luffman into space and after periods of scrappy play from both teams the ball went loose on the try line and West dived on the ball to give Tavistock the first try of the match. West converted his own score. Play began again with Dan Oner pressurising the kick-off which created a counter ruck from which the Tavistock forwards earned a turnover. Quick ball by scrum half Lee Greatrex saw full-back Charlie Furnivall exploited with a well-judged chip and Oner tore up the wing to touch down but the try was disallowed for a knock on.

Team talks by coach Mike Lewis and captain Lloyd James at half time had their desired effect in the second half and Tavistock looked to capitalise on their lead through tough attacking rugby. Props Jason Ward and Matt Martin provided a solid scrum and West was given a perfect drop goal opportunity which he did not waste to make it 10-6 to the visitors.

Fitness was clearing showing with Falmouth players becoming isolated. Tavistock's Duncan Law was able to capitalise on this at the breakdown and forced a penalty from the opposition which West knocked over to give Tavistock a comfortable lead of 13-6. Again Tavistock looked to push the ball wide and quick passing released speedster Dan Cunningham who looked set to score until cruelly high tackled, for which the opposition player was sent to the bin.

In the final 10 minutes of the game Falmouth looked as though they might break through but an outstanding tackle from second row James Bruna smashed Falmouth's winger into touch and the attack was halted. Falmouth were looking dangerous and Tavistock were beginning to get frustrated, with Friend seeing red and collapsing a mall earning himself a yellow card in the process. The introduction of Jake Chin and Ben Hadfield gave fresh energy to the away side and Tavistock saw off the game with a supreme display of pace and individual skill from Luffman as he chased down a kick and touched down in the corner to bring the final score to 18-6. This great team performance sees Tavistock sitting at fifth in the table.

n This week they are at home to Hayle in the league.

Merit

Tavistock seconds 34

Cullompton thirds 5

Tavistock extended their unbeaten home league record, with an impressive victory over a stubborn Cullompton side. The visitors fielded a heavy; experienced pack but were unable to cope with the pace of the home team.

From the kick-off, the Cullompton forwards concentrated on mauling their way up the pitch, but were unable to break through a determined home defence.

After 15 minutes, the Tavistock forwards made a series of drives into the opposition half and a quick break saw fly alf Josh Leeson dart through a gap for the opening try, which he also converted. The visitors continued to press, but Tavistock were in no mood to give way. The home side looked dangerous every time they gained possession and a purple patch in the last five minutes of the half, saw first, a fine break by winger Joe Lane who gave the scoring pass to lock Scott Pluckrose, up in support. Skipper Will Tomkins claimed the restart kick and bolted 50 metres upfield; centre Nick Lane took the ball on and Joe Lane finished off the move with a try. Leeson kicked the penalty, to leave Tavistock leading 20-0 at the break.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with the Cullompton forwards plugging away and the home side looking to run the ball at every opportunity.

Tavistock scored two more tries through fullback Simon Braithwaite, after a good run from replacement scrum-half Craig Pascoe and by flanker Joe Elliott - rounding off a fine performance from him. Leeson converted both tries. A few minutes from the end of an entertaining game, Cullompton forwards finally managed to breach the home defence for a try in the corner.

For Tavistock, skipper Will Tomkins and number eight Pete Davis were outstanding. Fellow forwards John Wakem; Dan Clarke; Steve Long and Tom Dawe all worked hard to contain the visitors' pack. The threequarters and replacements all played their part, in another good team performance.