North Tawton 7
Buckfastleigh 51
AGAIN North Tawton fielded a much changed side as selection proves a problem. It was pleasing to see Colin Tucker wing, Paul Aries second row and Nigel Dennis at hooker, making a welcome return.
It was even-stevens for the first quarter with Malc and Joe Fewings linking well at inside and outside half respectively and captain Neil Peters urging on his forwards.
Buckfastleigh broke the deadlock with a well taken try by outside half Andy Miller, converted by Neil Manfield. But North Tawton bounced back with surges upfield to see Phil Arnold, playing as well as ever, get a deserved try which Joe Fewings converted.
At this stage all did not look lost but it was soon to be — three tries by the visitors, one by James Hyme and two by No 6 Ben Feasby on the stroke of half-time saw North Tawton 22-7 down.
After the interval it was steady progress by Buckfastleigh in squally conditions and they did not let North Tawton off the hook, with five more tries to put the game beyond doubt.
North Tawton never gave up and it was a shame to see ever reliable Eddie Dawe limp off, but the young replacement, Ashley Fewings, and Chris Martin on for Simon Fear could make no difference.
North Tawton are home to Plymouth Civil Service in the league this Saturday, kick-off 3pm.