Exeter Saracens 10
North Tawton 5
THERE was a sad start to this friendly, with a two minutes silence in memory of Eddie Daw who died at the age of 27 last week.
Although Eddie only joined North Tawton RFC in the last two years, from Crediton, he made not only an impact as a player, but more importantly as a man who was greatly liked. He will be hugely missed and North Tawton?s thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
North Tawton started slowly and on the back foot as Saracens? experienced and heavier forwards took control and caused much trouble in the set-pieces and loose play.
After ten minutes the ball was spun to centre Nick Hill to get Saracens? first try.
North Tawton tried to raise their game but Saracens remained in control.
Saracens got another score by Bob Trump in a pushover try.
At half-time it was 10-0 to the home side and looked ominous for North Tawton.
But with Andy Bourne making a welcome return in the centre and Paul Moses stepping in at hooker a bit of experience had been added to the North Tawton side.
Coach Martin Hann had some stern words at the break and brought on Gary Dennis and Richard Huxtable at wing forwards and Chris Maunder on the wing.
North Tawton started the second half much improved. Their now familiar game plan started to work with some bruising runs near the base of the scrummage.
It was all Saracens in the first half, but all North Tawton in the second half.
From forward pressure the ball was passed out to full back Ross Lawrence who slipped it to Richard Huxtable to score a well deserved try and put North Tawton back into the game.
Despite good play by all and Ryan King coming on for an inspired ten minutes it was not going to be North Tawton?s day. But it was a brave performance.
l North Tawton are away to Plympton Victoria in the league this Saturday, kick-off 2.30pm, and are looking for players for Sunday fixtures to kick start the Seconds.
n North Tawton are also in the first stages of organising an Eddie Daw memorial match with Crediton.