Tavistock 2nd XV 11
Tiverton 2nd XV 5
TAVISTOCK started lethargically, with the forwards failing to get round the pack and support the back line.
Although handling errors were few and far between, whenever Tiverton got the ball their backs proved a constant menace. With the Tavistock pack being successfully sucked into a ruck leaving no cover, the visitors' pack linked well with their centres and wing to give the defence no chance for the first try. The conversion was missed.
This seemed to galvanise Tavistock and the boot of Martin Creddicot began to tell with penetrating kicks which kept Tiverton in their 22.
Tavistock began the second half putting pressure on Tiverton with blind side James McDowel and No. 8 Andrew Griffiths making barrelling runs which almost produced their first score.
Excellent work from second row Graham Steer starved Tiverton of ball. From a Tiverton lineout Steer grasped a high ball and Tavistock produced their first and only try of the game.
The ball was recycled well by the forwards who released man of the match and scrum half Craig Pascoe on a run. Support was quick in coming and some great hands by Creddicot released Ambrose McGuire to blitz through a static Tiverton defence. The conversion was missed.
Tavistock took the lead for the first time on 55 minutes when Tiverton were penalised for being offside. Creddicot converted the chance and followed this with another well converted penalty.
Tiverton made some crashing runs from the second rows, which were only thwarted by the impressively vocal Paul Williams and winger Adam James.
But Tiverton got within five yards of the Tavistock line and had tight head Mat Moreton to thank for some timely and powerful tackling on the line.
The final five minutes belonged to Tavistock, with darting runs being by left wing Mat Smith who defended the lead for an impressive win against higher league opposition.