Cornwall and Devon

Tavistock 21

TAVISTOCK faced a tough test from visitors Crediton who were flying high in the league with only one defeat.

The home side lined up without the influential Duncan Law, Danny Luffman and Will Glover but had more than able replacements in James Bruna, James Kaminski and Charlie Furnivall, who had impressed in the previous game. Tavistock were playing with the wind in the first half, on a drizzly afternoon that the moorland team should be accustomed to.

The match started as expected with a tough fight in the forwards, which did concern the front row of Adrian Baker, Lloyd James and Matt Martin who relished the challenge. Tavistock started the better team, playing sensible rugby in the oppositions half, recycling the ball well with second rows Andrew Kaka and Chris Morton taking the ball on the front foot. The prolific boot of Richard West provided the first points as strong running from Andrew Griffiths, supported by fellow back row Dan Oner, set up the opportunity to slot over a drop goal from 27 metres out. The next few minutes were frantic and uncontrolled from both sides, with quick ball was being killed in the breakdown; James Bruna was singled out for a repeat offence and sent to the sin bin.

Crediton took control with the extra man driving back the Tavistock scrum and using their strong number number to make significant yards. Despite resilient defence from the 14 men of Tavistock, a penalty was conceded for an offside in front of the home sides posts, this was slotted over by the Crediton fly half, 3-3.

From the kick off the next few minutes were spent lodged on the half way line, strong tackling from ex-Albion centre Ross Batten ensured that the Crediton backs would not be able to break the gain line. As the two teams sparred for possession, Tavistock took control of the game. Captain Lloyd James, leading by example, making a crucial turnover in the opposition's half. Quick ball from scavenger Lee Greatrex allowed West to make a perfectly timed pass to Doug Lloyd, who broke through the Crediton back line drew their full back and fed Kaminski to in from 30 metres. West was unlucky with the conversion attempt, 8-3.

Tavistock were bolstered by the return of Bruna, who made an impact by neutralising the opposition's number eight. Tavistock piled on the pressure and an infringement five yards out led to the away team's prop being sent to the sin bin. Tavistock took a short tap but a spilt ball relieved the pressure on the Crediton try line. At half time Tavistock led by five points.

The second half started with Crediton slowing the ball down illegally giving the home side the opportunity to extend their lead. West used his cultured boot to nail a difficult kick into the wind, 11-3. A deep restart from the visiting side put Tavistock under pressure and they attempted to run the ball in their own 22, this was absorbed well by the Crediton backs and loose forwards. Repeat attempts to clear their lines lead to a mistake on the Tavistock try line and Crediton were awarded a scrum - leading to their number eight crashing over from six yards. The try was converted and the game was set at 11-10.

Tavistock could have so easily crumbled against the strong fight back but the home side had different ideas. Tactical kicking from West followed up well by Kaminski pushed Tavistock into the opponents 22. A Crediton line out was put under pressure by Kaka and Bruna who beat the opposition second row to the ball. A drive from the Tavistock forwards took them over the Crediton line and at the bottom of the pile was the youngster Dan Oner, who touched down.. West used the wind and the crossbar to slot a seemingly impossible conversion, 18-10.

In the final 10 minutes Tavistock's recent hard work at training was paying dividends as their fitness showed. A deep kick from West was chased well by the outside backs which isolated the Crediton winger. The resultant penalty to the home side was chipped over by West to give the home side some comfort at 21-10. Crediton came back hard but resilient defence frustrated their attacks. This was a superb result for Tavistock.

Both players and supporters wish coach Mike Lewis a speedy recovery and congratulate Doug Lloyd who was named the league's player of the month for October.