Tavistock 55

Exeter Saracens 0

TAVISTOCK maintained their lead at the top of Devon 1 with a demolition of the Saracens at Sandy Park on Saturday.

Tavistock started with the wind and slope in their favour but an over eagerness, especially among the forwards, saw possession turned over to Saracens on a number of occasions early in the game negating any advantage they may have obtained.

However, Tavistock kept up the pressure, especially in the scrums where they continually pushed the Saracens off their own ball, and were able to launch their back row at the Sarries defence.

Tavistock made their territorial dominance pay when they worked second row forward Andy Hunt over the line for an unconverted try. Josh Sutton increased the lead almost immediately with a penalty when Sarries were penalised from the restart.

Another period of Tavistock pressure produced a try for No 8 Jude Rotton who used his power to break the Sarries defence.

This try was followed almost immediately by another from centre Mike Lyddon, who continued his impressive form with a try close to the posts.

As half-time approached Tavistock must have been wondering why they had not made better use of the wind and slope but were able to work wing Ben Neil over in the corner. Sutton converted two of the first half tries.

The second half started in a positive vein with the forwards and backs combining to move the ball the length of the field before they were able to work right wing Lawrence Evans over on a overlap.

Tavistock then had the luxury of bringing on prop Rob Monk, for Tom Hurdwell and former Cornwall No 8 Dean Shipton, making his home debut, for former Tavistock skipper Matt Cole.

These substitutions provided fresh legs to the Tavistock pack and helped Tavistock to turn the screw on an already beleaguered Saracens. The forward dominance then saw Tavistock increase their lead with a pushover try, a second for Rotton.

Sarries tried using the wind to pin Tavistock in their own half but again the forwards and backs combined well to relieve the pressure. This was the most impressive part of the second half with the back row and half backs combining well in close support to drive the ball deep into Sarries territory. Shipton capitalised on the pressure when he ploughed over near the posts.

Near the end, centre Duncan Law crossed on the right to see Tavistock break 50 points. Sutton converted all the second half tries.

This week sees Tavistock travel to London where they play Campion RFC, who are based in Romford, for the sixth round Powergen Vase game.

Anyone wishing to travel on the supporters? coach should contact Bob Law on 890620 to book a seat. The coach leaves Tavistock bus station at 7am.