Tavistock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Honiton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

TAVISTOCK gained a vital win in the leagues at Sandy Park on Saturday in a very physical game.

Tavistock always knew that if they were to win it would require a good performance against one of the meanest defences in the league.

The game certainly turned out that way with Honiton's strong defence forcing Tavistock to try all the options to breach their line.

Additionally the Tavistock defence was forced to work hard to stop the strong running Honiton backs.

Tavistock had the better of the opening exchanges making room for both wings Ben Neale and Josh Sutton to test their opposite numbers.

After absorbing the early Tavistock pressure Honiton were put on the back foot and from second phase possession Neil Evans worked the ball to the left for centre Duncan Law to burst through from close range and score wide out on the left.

Further Tavistock pressure forced Honiton into conceding a number of penalties — one of which saw one of the Honiton centre sin-binned for a dangerous tackle on Tavistock right wing Josh Sutton.

Tavistock, however, were not able to take advantage of the extra numbers and waited until Honiton were back to full strength before getting their second try.

Tavistock moved the ball right and Lee Greatrex was on hand to run onto full back Mark Baker's deft chip through the defence and score in the corner.

Tavistock opened the second half on the attack and after getting close to the Honiton line won an attacking lineout through Andy Hunt. From the resulting maul number eight Jude Rotton was driven over to score.

Tavistock then had the opportunity to put the game beyond Honiton's reach but did not take advantage of an overlap on the wide left.

Soon after at an attacking five metre scrum Tavistock lost prop Steve Langdon after an incident, which the referee did not spot in the front row.

Veteran John Wakem took over from Steve and continued to secure the scrummage.

Tavistock then were put on the backfoot by Honiton and Tom Dawe, having one of his more laid back games, was sinbinned close to the home team's try line.

The extra man gave Honiton new heart and they were able to breach the Tavistock defence, for the only time in the game, for a try in the corner by Lock which was converted by Brashford.

The Tavistock defence was sound for the remainder of the game securing the victory.

Next week sees Tavistock travel to Newquay for their fourth round tie in the Powergen National Vase.

A bus leaves the Tavistock bus station at 11:30am.

Supporters are welcome, anyone wishing to travel please contact a committee member.