Tavistock 13

Collumpton 10

RECENT losses against the top two sides placed Tavistock third in the league. Recent successes for Collumpton positioned them right behind Tavistock, so this home fixture proved an important win.

Tavistock started well, moving the ball confidently in poor conditions and applying good pressure on the Collumpton line.

A penalty allowed fly half Josh Sutton the opportunity to put Tavistock three points ahead, but Collumpton came back a more focused and determined side. Their forwards began to dominate in the set-piece, taking advantage of the slope and the wet conditions

Tavistock found themselves on the back-foot and began to lose possession in rucks and lineouts. The home side defended well, but a rolling maul allowed the visitors to crash over the line to put them ahead.

Tavistock were keen to reclaim the lead early on in the second half and the forwards regained momentum. A quick counter attack by the Collumpton backs caught Tavistock unprepared, though, and Collumpton took a seven point lead.

The home side remained focused, despite having two men sin-binned at different intervals.

Hooker, Steve Langdon, made some battering runs and Andy Hunt, Neil Cole and Matt Cole made some good ground. In the backs, Rob Weldon made good breaks and held the ball up well in the tackle and winger Barney Dunstan made some strong runs.

It was Dunstan who helped to put Tavistock back in the game, when he broke through on a loose ball, kicking it through the Collumpton defence. Scrum half Lee Greatrex dribbled the ball over the line to score. Sutton converted and the sides were neck and neck.

Tavistock raised their effort and threatened the Collumpton defence time and again. Time was running out, though, when Tavistock were awarded a penalty. Sutton kicked from a tricky angle, but dissected the posts with precision.

This was a hard fought game and a well deserved victory for the home side. They can expect another gruelling contest when they visit Collumpton in the next couple of weeks.