Devon Junior Cup

Topsham 44

North Tawton 29

IN the first half North Tawton failed to cope with the high kicks and bouncing ball, with Topsham producing open, running rugby. The visitors showed uncharacteristic hesitancy in defence at times which Topsham exploited with good sweeping attacks to run in five tries, three of which were converted, giving them a 31-0 lead.

North Tawton replied with two tries by wing Rob Stepto, one from a break off the scrum by Steve King setting Stepto away to loop round the defence. is second was a individual effort from a quickly-taken tap penalty 10 metres out when he stepped through the defensive line. Both were unconverted giving Tawton 10 points at the break.

Soon after the break Topsham extended their lead with a penalty kick and then a well-worked try, finished off by the left wing following a build-up involving most of the team. North Tawton came back by dominating the scrums, shoving the Topsham unit all over the park; this set up their scrum-half to come off the back of a set piece and feint through for a try, which was converted by David Fewings.

A moment of loose play allowed Topsham to hack a ball through and the race to the line was won by Topsham for a further try, unconverted, taking them to 44 points.

An impressive drive by Tawton's scrum blitzed the Topsham pack and flanker Will Hawkin broke away to make ground. Good picking and driving in the follow up almost took them over the line, but they gained a set scrum close in but Topsham hacked clear. The pressure was maintained and an excellent drive from a lineout, where James Henshaw and Paul Turner were collecting good ball off Alfie May's throwing, forced a penalty from the Topsham defence. A quickly taken tap by David Fewings saw him break through for a try, which was converted make it 44-24. In the final phase Tawton almost had a try as a ball was fed off the back of an advancing scrum to left wing Jack Phare, who was just bundled in to touch five metres out. The final word was left to the Tawton scrum as they again drove Topsham back for Steve King to ground the ball for a push-over try.

n This week North Tawton are at home to Salcombe in the league.

n North Tawton Rugby Club have launched their new club website http://www.northtawtonrfc.co.uk">www.northtawtonrfc.co.uk

With video and photo capability, the site will be a showcase for talent and the first port of call for club and team information. Webmaster Peter Hoggins said: 'We're trying to encourage everybody at the club and in the community to get involved – the site looks great and we're really pleased with the level of interest it's generated. But fresh content and new supporters are always welcome!'