Cornwall and Devon League

Tavistock RFC 42

Bideford RFC 18

TAVISTOCK kept up the pressure on Penryn and Truro at the top of the table with this convincing win over Bideford.  This win was even more impressive considering that the visitors had convincingly beaten Tavistock before Christmas.

Tavistock started well and playing against the slope kept the ball away from the visitors for the opening exchanges.  The industry and hard work of both backs and forwards was rewarded with a try from left winger Mark Hennessey which was converted by first team debutant Richard West.

Richard then extended the home lead with a penalty after Bideford were forced to transgress to keep Tavistock from scoring. Then in a period when Tavistock took their feet off the gas Bideford replied with a converted try and penalty goal of their own to tie the scores at ten points each on the half hour.

Conceding these points spurred Tavistock back into action and number eight Jake Phillips and centre Matt Witcher both scored tries, but as half time approached Tavistock were penalised and Bideford reduced the arrears with a second penalty.

At half time Tavistock were forced to replace Mark Hennessey and moved impressive scrum half Alex Moy out wide, Alex was replaced at scrum half by the equally impressive Mike Deebner.  

With the advantage of the slope Tavistock extended their lead when a well worked three quarter move opened up space for full-back Andy Wright to cross near the sticks.  Richard West added the conversion. Bideford immediately hit back with a well constructed try on the left wing after some sloppy Tavistock defence.

The home team again applied the pressure and when Bideford were forced to transgress as Tavistock pushed a five metre scrum toward the try line the referee had no option but to award a penalty try, West converted.

The impressive Wright helped himself to a second try and as time ran out Tavistock opted to kick a second penalty to secure a further three points.

• On Saturday Tavistock travel to Plymstock Albion Oaks in the Cornwall and Devon league.  Kick off 2.30pm.