Western Counties

Tavistock 17

Burnham on Sea 27

TWO weeks ago Tavistock's safety from relegation from the league was in their own hands, now after two successive defeats at Bude and at home to Burnham, Tavistock find themselves four points from safety with just four games remaining.

Last Saturday's game against Burnham reflected much of the season with Tavistock playing well in parts but unable to secure a victory that after half an hour was theirs for the taking.

Tavistock went immediately onto the attack and were rewarded with two penalty goals from Richard West in the first ten minutes. The home side then further extended their lead when after ground had been made by number eight Ben Williams flanker Tom Friend was on hand to dive over for a try.

With half an hour gone Burnham at last "got off the bus" and reduced the arrears with a penalty from full back Jason White. They then forced an attacking scrum under the Tavy posts and Tavistock old boy and Burnham number eight and skipper Stuart Blake crossed from close range. White added the conversion.

Tavistock came back and from the restart Richard West dropped a goal to again extend the lead.

Burnham immediately hit back with a second try this time from Peter Williams, which White again converted.

With the last move of the half Tavistock again got into Burnham territory and Richard West slotted a penalty to leave the score tied at 17-17 all at half time.

Playing against the slope in the second half Tavistock were pinned in their own territory for long periods and Burnham took the lead on the hour with a penalty from White. Tavistock worked manfully to get back into the game and were well served by Ben Williams and Will Brown who made hard yards around the fringes. When they did move the ball wide Dave Goodspeed, Doug Lloyd and Will Glover all posed the Burnham defence problems.

With time running out Burnham were awarded a scrum deep in the Tavistock 22 and Staurt Blake provided the link that enabled the Burnham fly half Elisi Vunipola to cross under the posts, virtually unopposed. White again kicked the conversion.