Tavistock second XV 67
OPM second XV 0
THE second team kicked off the season at Sandy Park this year with a thoroughly convincing win over much weaker opposition.
Ben Palmer scored the first of his brace of tries after just six minutes and this started a string of five first half tries that came from a wide range of positions.
Despite bringing an experienced pack with them the opposition forwards were soon tiring and by the end of the first half the Tavistock pack were dominating both scrum and line out.
Impressive debuts were shown by both Rory Gilmore and Jason Ward in the front row – both just old enough to be allowed to play at this level.
In the second half Tavistock had the advantage of the slight slope of the pitch and ran in another six tries.
To their credit OPMs dug in hard and tried to remain competitive and despite not really encroaching on Tavistock's 22, no-one would have really begrudged them a consolation score which they deserved for their efforts alone.
Tavistock should gain much heart from their performance. The forwards were strong exemplified by man of the match Jude Rotten, another try scorer, with strong ground winning running, excellent scrumage work, well executed line outs and hard defensive tackling. But the backs, not to be out shone, showed similar skills. Their execution and running lines cut right through the opposition but it was also their defensive work that kept the game in the OPMs half. This was exemplified by the best moment of the match by Nick Lane who in one movement managed to cover tackle an opposition winger and rip the ball from his hands to set up another attack for the homeside.
• Tavistock Rugby club now have several senior sides catering for a wide range of abilities (as well as wealth of juniors sides too). If anyone is interested in re-starting their interest in the game or wanting to try their hand out for the first time contact Dominic Bourton 01822 840328.