Tavistock Mix 31

Exeter Saracens 17

Tavistock U15s combined with St Mary's, Bristol and The Pirates to make an 'ad hoc' team in this triangular tournament.

They were up against two of the best Devon teams, Exeter Saracens and Plymouth Albion.

The first match against Albion was understandably lost in the first half due to poor teamwork, but Katy Scorer nevertheless ran powerfully to touchdown in the corner.

The second half soon showed that there was skill and determination in the hastily assembled team. They held their own against Albion, who eventually ran out winners by five tries.

In the second match, there was little expectation of scoring against Saracens and the Tavistock girls were back on the pitch within ten minutes to play the Exeter team. Against all predictions, Katie Scorer ran in another try, followed by a score from a St Mary's player.

The shock was compounded when, with two minutes to play, Tavistock Mix were still ahead. One more play would win the match and surprise everyone. The ball came from the loose, out along the line and some strong running resulted in a try between the posts which Ali Huntley converted.

All the Tavistock girls deserve great praise for inspiring the other less experienced players. Beth Neave scored a run-away try from inside her own half, Ali Huntly converting the last three tries, Katie Scorer with two battling tries, Amy Neave leaving the field with an injured ankle, Elsie Kirby the power- house in the forwards getting great ball to the backs and Erin Midson-Holmes who tackled courageously throughout.

This tournament which was aimed at fun and the promotion of ladies' rugby, succeeded on both counts.