Devon 2
St Columba 11
North Tawton 3
IN this bottom of the table clash North Tawton made the long trip to Cornwall in the hope of some points. But the boggy pitch proved an advantage to the home side.
North Tawton began by pressing strongly and had St Columba tied down in their own 25. but after 15 minutes the home side broke free on the blind side and with some good handling got a touchdown by Andy Thompson.
At the break it was 5-0 to the home side with all to play for.
North Tawton came back strongly after half-time and deserved a well struck penalty by Ross Lawerence to keep the game within their reach.
This was a wake up call for St Columba who then pressed North Tawton into some excellent defending.
But the pressure eventually told with a drop goal by Dave Oakley.
North Tawton struggled against a heavier pack in the muddy conditions. Kevin Avery led the team with great effect and was well supported by Gary Dennis in the second row and excellent play in attack and defence by winger Ryan King.
Charlie Ewing is proving a valuable asset in the centre and North Tawton?s spirit can be summed up by the fact that Andy Pyle flew back from holiday at 1pm on Saturday and was on the field as a substitute at 3.30pm.
With this commitment North Tawton may be bottom but the only way is up.
North Tawton are home to Barnstaple this Saturday in a friendly, kick-off 2.30pm.