Bideford Seconds 25
North Tawton Firsts 5
IN this hastily rearranged fixture North Tawton came up against a strong second team.
But great credit to North Tawton, their forwards took on an experienced pack and held the upper hand throughout.
The front row of Lee Armond, Richard Jackson and Fred Bolt took the honours up front. But unfortunately for North Tawton the game was going to be won in the back.
However, it was North Tawton who scored first from a pop-up pass by Kevin Avery to prop forward Fred Bolt, who scored a simple try under the posts.
North Tawton forwards continued to play well and won more than their fair share of the ball, but experienced Bideford back line out-classed them in the backs.
Despite that, North Tawton held the home side 10-5 at the interval and started well after the break.
But when John Stone at outside half went off injured things looked bleak.
With Bideford's backs in the ascendancy it was not long before they ran in three good tries against a 14-man North Tawton, who had a player sin-binned.
A stoic performance against a strong Bideford side.
North Tawton Seconds 8
Bideford Thirds 8
IN this titanic struggle in poor conditions it was North Tawton who started strongly and looked to take the visitors apart.
After the first 30 minutes it seemed as though North Tawton would cruise it, and when Ross Lawrence on the wing went over it seemed odds on for a North Tawton victory.
But on the stroke of half-time, Bideford burst through the lineout to score a simple try to leave the match at 5-5.
Bideford came back strongly with a well taken penalty to put the visitors 8-5 up at the break.
The second half continued in much the same way with no side gaining the upper hand.
When Joe Fewings at outside half slotted a well earned penalty it was a just result to take the game to eight each.
l This Saturday North Tawton First are away to Brixham Seconds, while North Tawton Seconds are home to Brixham thirds, kick-off 3pm, followed by a bonfire and fireworks extravaganza at 8pm.