Tavistock U15s girls 12
Newquay Hornets U15s girls 19
IN an entertaining and fast-flowing match the Tavistock girls were just beaten by the Hornets with two tries in the second half.
Newquay started at a furious pace and recycled and drove down the pitch and scored under the posts without Tavistock getting any possession. This seemed to stiffen Tavistock's resolve and the next few minutes with slick off-loading, Tavistock were on the score-sheet with an unconverted try by Lauren Dawe, who after a patient build up broke through on the left wing to outpace the defence.
Just before half time Annabel Longden this time took the ball from the half-way line to score under the posts and to then add the extras. This gave Tavistock a 12-7 lead at the break.
The weather deteriorated in the second half and a cold lashing February squall drove into the Tavistock faces. Newquay then stormed back with a converted try to have a two point advantage. This was consolidated just before the final whistle when a final try sealed the match for Newquay.
There was little between the teams, with the foraging of Kim Upcott and the terrific hooking of Kayleigh Gatcom gaining good ball from the set pieces for Tavistock. New recruit Beth Hodgkiss gathered the ball and drove with strength and added greatly to the front row effort. Captain Flo Rodgers darted and sniped through the Newquay lines and was pre-eminent in the defence against the bigger Newquay forwards.
The improvement of the threequarter line tackling was clear with Lauren Dawe and Annabel Longden following the lead of Bronwin Rundle in not allowing the Newquay backs through the line. Of particular note was the handling of Lilly Hilson who received the ball, ran straight and was on several occasions able to take out her opposite number and to give space to the rest of the backs.
This was an exciting match and showcased the skills that the team has developed during the season.