Western Counties

Tavistock 20

Newquay Hornets 36

TAVISTOCK'S first home league outing in the Western Counties ended in defeat to Newquay but not before the impressive visitors had been made to work hard for a victory with a flattering scoreline.

Tavistock should feel buoyed for the season ahead as they played far better in losing to Newquay than they did in their first game the week before when they got a point away at Minehead.

Positive points to note were that Tavistock were ahead 10-7 at half time and led 15-4 early in the second half and it was only in the final quarter that Newquay pulled away.

At the beginning of the game Tavistock put on all the pressure and were unlucky not to take the lead when Josh Sutton's pass to Matt Witcher was judged forward before Witcher squeezed in at the corner.

Newquay scored the first try after absorbing Tavistock pressure they broke out of defence and Fraser Kellyhorn finished off a move of 90 metres.

Sam Cullen converted.

Tavistock reapplied the pressure and the forwards drove to within five metres of the opposition posts — Alex Moy spotted a gap in the Newquay defence and darted over for the score. Josh Sutton converted the try and soon after added a penalty goal to send Tavy into half time in front.

Early in the second half Newquay went ahead when Luke Bazely went in for a try which Sam Cullen converted. But back came Tavistock and after creating havoc with a Newquay scrum flanker Will Brown provided the opportunity for centre James Kaminski to hack the ball over the line for a try.

Newquay then stretched ahead with a penalty from Cullen and a try from Rob McIntyre which Cullen also converted.

Tavistock hit back once again and after good approach work involving forwards Duncan Law and Jake Phillips Alex Moy grabbed his second try to reduce the arrears to four points with fifteen minutes remaining.

Newquay scored two tries in the final 15 minutes to ensure victory the first from Dan Pearce after a kick and chase, Cullen converting and the second from Stuart Williams attacking the short side after a lineout.