Devon two league North Tawton 0 Old Technicians 18 THE Centenary pitch at North Tawton on Saturday once again provided an excellent playing surface, despite the recent heavy rains. The strong wind helped take Old Tecs quickly into Tawton's 22 metre area where a defensive mistake by the home side off the back of a scrum opened up a gap for Old Tecs' Jonathan Maxwell to break through for the first try. The conversion drifted wide on the winds. Despite being once again faced by a bigger pack North Tawton came back into the game well and the match was evenly contested for a long period. The size advantage of the Old Tecs pack was cancelled out by the good tackling and mauling of the home side, especially from flanker Alfie May and prop Tom Phillips. North Tawton's threes were also making an impact with a good break down the left wing by Mike Symons. This was countered by a well-worked cross field passing move by the Old Tecs threes which was broken up by more good tackling, this time by Zak Matravers. The visitors had gained ground however and shortly after Tawton were penalised in front of their posts to allow Maxwell to slot home three more points. North Tawton came under severe pressure but survived a drive-over try when the ball was held up over the line. For a period the home side came back into the match as Old Tecs were penalised several times and were pushed back. The tables turned eventually and Tawton gave ground and were penalised themselves within range for Maxwell to convert a penalty kick and take the score to 11-0. Just before the break Old Tecs scored a further try through number eight Gary Murray following a penalty five metres from Tawton's line. The conversion by Maxwell took the half time score to 18-0. Tawton came back well at the start of the second half and two penalty kicks to touch gave their forwards a chance to attack the Old Tecs line through line-outs. They failed to take full advantage and Old Tecs turned over a line-out and broke out of defence. A good penalty punt from Tawton's full back David Fewings used the strong wind to perfection and re-established the home side's territorial advantage inside the Old Tecs' 22 metre area. Tawton's scrum was also starting to get the push on the Old Tecs' pack and replacement of prop Keith Knott with Adam Davis brought on fresh legs to help the effort. Excellent line-out jumping by Keith Jones took useful ball for North Tawton and they maintained the pressure on the visitors' line. Try as they might they were unable to cross the try line, but the second half performance showed great commitment and Old Tecs were unable to increase their own score. Several players were in the running for man of the match but it was awarded to two of the pack, Keith Jones and Tom Phillips. Both players excelled in the tight play and their tackling was impressive. l Although North Tawton have not had much success in the league in terms of score lines this season, the club is encouraged by the number of younger players coming through into first team rugby. New players are always welcome and can contact the club on 01837 82516 or come along to training at Taw Meadow on Tuesday evenings. The club also run a ladies team and its junior sides are run in conjunction with Okehampton Rugby Club, to cover all age groups.
