Tavistock 1st XV 37
Totnes 1st XV 3
TAVISTOCK 1st XV played some of their best rugby this season on Saturday. A crucial league match, the win has offered them some hope of a respectable league position and doomed Totnes to continue their struggle at the bottom.
Totnes made use of fierce wind, pinning Tavistock in their own 22 for the first 10 minutes. The pressure paid, Totnes converted a penalty.
Strong tackling from the Tavistock backs kept the visitors from building on their score and the forwards lifted their performance, securing possession and turning the tide.
Matt Wood, the second row giant eventually opened the scoring for the home side, knocking aside several defenders and diving over the line to score an essential try. Wood had a massive impact in the lineouts and was deservedly awarded 'man of the match'.
Tavistock continued to dominate with fly half Kevin Georgel making crucial decisions, defending up the slope and against a testing wind. Matt Cole and Paul Greenhill were outstanding throughout making breaks from the back of set-pieces and supporting each other well in the loose.
From such a break Greenhill weaved his way over for Tavistock's second score, which Matt Trevithick converted.
Conditions worked in Tavistock's favour in the second half and coupled with improved ball retention Totnes were left with no answers. Greenhill notched his second try and Andy Hunt showed his continued form this season, scoring from a powerful drive by the pack.
There was an awkward moment when a wayward pass was intercepted by the Totnes centre. He sprinted for the Tavistock line, but saw winger Simon Beatty gaining on him and made a poor pass which missed his team-mate and saw any chance of a Totnes come-back vanish.
Further scores came from Tavistock with the pacy Lee Greatrex running in a fine individual effort and the bulky Trevithick bouncing defenders off him as he strolled to the line. Georgal duly converted.
Fine breaks from 'Griff' Griffiths at Number 8 kept the pressure on and a penalty kick from Trevithick sealed a much improved performance by Tavistock, who face another big game next week at Old Technicians.
l Anyone interested in joining Tavistock R F C is welcome to join at training at the club on Tuesdays or Thursdays, or phone Paul Greenhill, club captain on 01822616792.