Devon 2

North Tawton 7

Salcombe 8

THIS great game emphasised all that is good in rugby.

North Tawton, in bottom position, took on high flying Salcombe in what would appear a forgone conclusion,. but Salcombe can consider themselves lucky to take away the points.

North Tawton took to the field after a three week lay-off with a much changed side, their problem being to get a front row, but with Henry Chalcroft having his first game for the club this hopefully will be a thing of the past.

With Joe Fewings stepping in at scrum half and Andy Poole pulling out the stops at outside half, North Tawton adapted their game to a ten man format.

The forwards began as they ended the game with excellent set play and work in the loose which saw them outplay Salcombe in rucks and mauls.

It was no surprise when North Tawton took a deserved lead with a try by Hann after 20 minutes, converted by Joe Fewings.

North Tawton continued their forward pressure. There was great defence from the backs with Nigel Dennis having a storming game at inside centre and newcomer Adam Wise on the wing impressing on his debut.

But Salcombe scored a Mark Lidstone penalty on the stroke of half time to leave the game at 7-3 to the home side.

After the break the game continued in much the same fashion with North Tawton's pack dominating possession and denying Salcombe's impressive backs the ball.

Unfortunately for North Tawton it was from the threequarters that the winning score came from outside half Ashley Spencer to pinch the match at 8-7.

Nevertheless North Tawton can take great heart from a very spirited performance.

The night ended on a high note with a superb bonfire and firework display enjoyed by hundreds of friends and families.

North Tawton are away to the Plymouth side Old Technicians this Saturday, kick-off 2.30pm.