Devon Junior Cup semi-final

Tavistock 1st XV 39

Exeter Saracens 3

THE first half saw Tavistock playing into a strong wind, but they dominated from the start.

Powerful running and constant recycling of the ball resulted in Tavistock scoring two tries in the first ten minutes.

The first was after number 8 Matt Cole broke from the back of a scrum, running wide and giving a clever inside pass to flanker Michael Kent who charged through to score.

Within minutes the domination of the forwards led to the second try with Kent powering over again.

Unfortunately, the Saracens fly half dislocated his shoulder 15 minutes into the game and play was halted while the teams waited for an ambulance.

Saracens went into the restart with a renewed vigour and were using the wind to their advantage, kicking the ball deep down the pitch. Full back Mike Lyddon was solid under these long high balls, catching them cleanly and racing forward, bringing the ball back into the opposition's half.

Saracens' frustration meant they soon began conceding penalties. A quick tap penalty from scrum-half Sean Buttle and a darting run through the defence saw him score beneath the posts. Fly half Josh Sutton converted.

Tavistock began the second half knowing the game was in the bag if they continued with their plan of combining efficient rucking with the strong pace of the backs.

Sutton commanded the back line well with centres Robin Weldon and veteran Mark Ninnis attacking and defending equally well.

It was not long before Tavistock began scoring again. The forwards continued to power their way down the pitch, rucking to within ten yards of the Saracens line.

The ball was released to the backs and after fluent passing, Lyddon finished off the move with an injection of pace to score. Unfortunately, he pulled his hamstring as he crossed the line and was replaced by Neil Evans.

In the next ten minutes both teams saw a player sin-binned but Tavistock kept the momentum going and Evans made his presence felt going over for a try. Sutton converted again.

When both teams were back to full strength Tavistock kept the pressure on and would not let Saracens out of their own half. Sutton continued his good kicking form with a penalty.

More infringements from Saracens gave Buttle his second try, diving over the line after another tap penalty. Again Sutton converted sealing Tavistock's well-deserved victory.

Tavistock will now build on their strengths in preparation for the final against Kingsbridge in a couple of weeks.