Tavistock seconds 31
Exmouth thirds 6
Although the final score suggests an easy win, Tavistock had to work hard to break down a well organised and resilient Exmouth.
Tavistock played up the slope in the first half and took the game to Exmouth from the start. However, despite dominating possession, the home team struggled to put together many controlled phases of play and also suffered from a high penalty count against them.
Lock Lee Easton scored the first try after 24 minutes, on the end of some good driving approach play from the forwards. Credicott converted but the visitors scored a penalty either side of this try and as halftime approached Tavistock led by a single point. Just before the break, the Tavistock pack drove over from a five metre scrum, with number eight, Pete Davis getting the touchdown.
Tavistock continued to have the majority of possession throughout the second half and the pacy Exmouth side made the mistake of trying to take on the Tavistock forwards, without success.
The home team scored three further tries in this half. The first after a good lineout catch and drive, with scrumhalf Lee Greatrex then switching the ball out to the backs for centre Matt Witcher to cut a good line through the defence.
Shortly after, another backs move, following a lineout and centre Jon Bellamy made a fine run and offloaded the scoring pass to hooker Will Tomkins up in support and, after winger Nick Lane had made an incisive run, replacement flanker, Simon Parisio burst through the Exmouth defence for the final try. Replacement fullback, Rob Milligan converted two of the tries, bringing the final score to 31 - 6. Colt Jake Luffman gave an assured display at flyhalf and formed a good halfback partnership with Lee Greatrex, who was at his sharpest. The game was well controlled by referee, Jon Chilcott.
The victory keeps Tavistock in second place in their Merit League.