Cornwall and Devon League
Tavistock 24
Saltash 8
TAVISTOCK recorded a convincing if unspectacular victory against near neighbours Saltash at Sandy Park on Saturday.
The margin of the victory could have been greater if Tavistock had taken all the chances offered to them and if they had been more clinical in their execution.
By half-time Tavistock had moved to a 12-3 advantage and were looking to move away in the second half but a combination of mistakes and some good defence by Saltash thwarted their ambition.
From the outset Tavistock won a good supply but poor running lines in the backs seldom broke the gain line and it was left to the forwards to punch the holes in the opposition defence. In this respect skipper and number eight Jake Phillips was outstanding, making huge gains for his team but too often the position gained by Jake was squandered.
Midway through the first half Tavistock took the lead after getting the ball wide. Replacement winger Mike Deebner, on for David Goodspeed, scored a try and James Kaminski added the conversion.
Tavistock extended their lead when after a period of sustained forward pressure Duncan Law fed fellow flanker Will Brown for a run in try.
Saltash got onto the scoreboard as half-time approached with a penalty from Ollie Raynor after Tavistock had been penalised at the breakdown.
Tavistock extended their lead early in the second half. Will Bown broke deep into the Saltash half to set up good field position and from the next phase of play winger Ben Palmer provided Bown with a scoring pass for him to grab a second easy try.
Saltash then grabbed a try when winger Ben Davenport ran in from 70 metres.
Tavistock then reapplied pressure via the forwards and scrum half Henry Cunningham wriggled over for his second try in as many games. Kaminsky completed the scoring with the conversion.
l This Saturday Tavistock are away at Devonport Services in the third round of the EDF National Senior Vase. Kick-off 2pm.