Western Counties West
Tavistock 7
Devonport Services 21
AFTER a win and a draw in their last two games Tavistock came back to reality in their struggle to stay in the league when they were beaten by local rival Devonport Services at Sandy Park on Saturday by three tries to one.
Playing with the advantage of the strong wind in the first half Tavistock did not take advantage of the conditions; when they did get into their opponents 22 they made some costly errors which turnover possession helped Devonport to relieve the pressure.
Devonport opened the scoring on the quarter hour when after an intense period of pressure fly half Matt Anstiss crossed by the posts. Anstiss converted his own try. Devonport almost scored immediately after but a fine covering tackle from fly half Richard West saved the day. Services however did increase their lead with a try from winger Ryan Morris, Anstiss again converted.
As the half drew to a close Tavistock at last put some concerted pressure on Devonport and with the last move of the half centre Jamie O'Gallagher was brought down inches from scoring. Unfortunately Jamie was injured in the tackle and had to leave to field with a suspected fracture to the leg or ankle. If this is confirmed this will be the third leg break suffered by Tavistock players in the last five weeks.
Services scored a third try just after the break when Tom Birt grabbed a lineout ball and waltzed over virtually unopposed. Anstiss added the conversion.
Tavistock then upped the tempo of the game and kept Devonport penned in their own half for long periods of the game. When Devonport did get possession they were forced to kick but the Tavistock back three of Will Glover, Tom Whalley and stand in winger Luke Clements dealt well with the kicks.
With time running out Tavistock forced a series of five metre scrums and number eight Ben Williams ploughed his way over for the try. Richard West added the conversion.
n This Saturday Tavistock travel to Exeter Saracens for a Western Counties fixture. Kick-off 2.30pm.