Devon Merit League Division Three
Plymouth Barbarians RFC
Seconds 6
Tavistock RFC Thirds 12
THE game was played in a gale force wind, which made handling that much more difficult, but both teams served up a fully committed performance and the result was in doubt right up to the end.
Barbarians had the advantage of the wind in the first half and made numerous attempts to break through but Tavistock defended stoutly and kept their line intact.
One try saving tackle from fullback Doug King was outstanding.
Tavistock also enjoyed some attacking spells but could not quite breach the home line.
The only score of the first half was a penalty to the Barbarians.
The second half started with Tavistock unable to get their hands on the ball for several minutes, but a good turnover on the 10 metre line led to a swift handling move from the Tavistock forwards and ended with lock Jason Boon forcing his way over the try line. A good conversion from Seb Dicks put Tavistock 7-3 up.
The home team kicked a second penalty shortly after and with 30 minutes left to play, there was only a point in it.
Tavistock enjoyed the majority of the attacking play although they did have to withstand one period of intense pressure from the home team towards the end of the match — but resolute defence kept the Barbarians at bay.
The final few minutes saw Tavistock back in the ascendancy and with the last move of the match, another drive from the forwards ended with skipper Mike Gray emerging from the bottom of a rolling maul to claim the match clinching try.