Tavistock U16s 5

Crediton U16s 22

THIS game was a pleasure to watch with two skilful sides playing determined rugby in poor conditions.

Crediton crossed the line twice in the first half to turn round 12-0. A third try on the stroke of half-time was prevented by a superb last-ditch tackle from full back Ian Smerdon, but it cost him a piece of tooth.

Tavistock camped in their opponents? half for the first 20 minutes of the second half but could not make the final metre until Dan Hayward powered over from ten metres out for a try converted by Alex Moy.

Crediton ran in a further two tries but the score did not reflect the home side?s performance and they could have won but for a couple of moments of weak defence.

Man of the match: Sam Lawson.

New players Lloyd and Alex Nail gave impressive displays in the forwards and look excellent prospects.

Next match, January 12.

Exeter Chieftains U14s 15

Tavistock U14s 0

NOT for the first time this season Tavistock put on an excellent performance but failed to get a result.

The match was played on a heavy, wet pitch that made passing a risky business. This worked to Tavistock?s advantage as Exeter, with their larger forwards, gained much possession from the set-pieces then dropped or knocked-on passes.

The backs of Whiteford, Burton, Hannant, Gay and Harris swept down on their opponents, snuffing out attacks. In response Exeter started to kick the ball over the back line, but Campbell was always there to pick up and clear to touch. At half-time there was a clean scoresheet, helped by two superb tackles - one from Friend in front of the posts and a Cohen-like cover tackle by Ewing into the corner flag.

Early in the second half Exeter?s forwards rumbled to a try which caused Tavistock to loose their discipline and cohesion and as a result two similar tries followed in swift succession. The team then regained its composure and the forwards, with good contributions from White, Butler and Robinson, again had the better in the rucks and mauls.

Tavistock U12s 21

Kingsbridge U12s 14

TAVISTOCK were hoping for their sixth victory in a row, but Kingsbridge scored in the first five minutes. This was a wake up call ? O?Neill and Oddie led the way, Oddie consistently driving in to secure good ruck ball. Lane, before going off injured, passed to Warlow who charged to the line. Kingsbridge defended well but from the maul Robinson peeled off to crash over the line to score.

Kingsbridge kept spoiling the party with determined rucking and mauling. Smith and Gilmore had their work cut out to keep them at bay. Morgan at stand in hooker played with courage.

The second half saw James and Warlow battering away in the centre, Warlow making hard yards but getting held up close to the line.

Tavistock?s forwards drove to secure good ball from which fly half Thompson received the pass and slid in for a try. Smerdon at replacement scrum-half did well by moving quick ball to his backs. Evans and Milligan stopped a Kingsbridge move that could have resulted in a try.

Oddie released O?Neill who battered his way through a determined defence to score. Kingsbridge had a last-gasp effort to get to Tavistock?s line but J Smith and Broome pushed them into touch. From the lineout Kingsbridge scored a consolation try.

James converted all the Tavistock tries.

Training restarts on January 2.

Tavistock U10s 20

Kingsbridge U10s 10

BOTH sides put on an excellent display in front of a large crowd of supporters on Sunday at Sandy Park.

The visitors got a surprise as Tavistock started strong with scrum half Phillip Snell scoring the first of his three tries after the first attacking move.

Kingsbridge levelled after a break into the corner.

Tavistock?s forwards continued to put on the

pressure with prolonged periods of ball retention. This paid off late in the half with a pushover try floored by Josh Leeson which marked his return to the squad after injury.

In the second half Snell took the ball from the scrum and darted through to score his second.

Kingsbridge?s passing opened the Tavistock defence on many occasions and only the tackling of Jack Haigh and Snell stopped the visitors from racking up a larger tally.

Snell?s third came off the scrum again with another copybook scrum half try.

There will be an extra training session on Sunday December 29 at 10am.

Tavistock U9s 30

Kingsbridge U9s 35

THE Tavistock squad again produced a performance to make the town proud.

In a tight and exciting game the scoreline nipped and tucked between the two teams for the whole game. Tavistock proved, yet again, how strong they are in mid-field, but could not quite convert that strength to tries.

Having gone in to half-time all square, Tavistock looked like they should have taken control. However, a couple of injuries during the second half reduced their numbers and Kingsbridge seized the initiative and scored.

The young Tavistock team were unlucky to suffer such a narrow defeat.

Tavistock U7s 30

Kingsbridge U7s 35

KINGSBRIDGE and Tavistock tested each other?s defensive capabilities to the full in this closely fought encounter.

Positive running and support play made for an enjoyable game and although Kingsbridge won in the final play, the Tavistock team can be proud of their individual contributions and their improved teamwork.

Notable contributions in attack were George Carter jinking over for two tries, Harry Snowden diving in for a dramatic half-time equaliser, Robert Bone linking well with Jordan Stacey to score under pressure from the Kingsbridge defence.

Charlie Wood showed the opposition a clean pair of heels in the first half to score twice and after the interval he completed his hat-trick.