TAVISTOCK went to the Devon Rugby U12s festival on a snowy Sunday morning hoping that the progress they have made over the last two seasons would be reflected in the results on the day. Sixteen clubs from all over Devon were in attendance and Tavistock were drawn in a group of four including Exeter Chiefs, Topsham and Torquay. In the first game against Topsham, Tavistock conceded early on and had to make the running in the second half. Josh Birch showed real determination to finish a move started by Dan Dawes. Tavistock piled on the pressure and a clearance kick found Finlay Ross at fullback who beat four defenders to score out wide to win the game. In the next game against Exeter Chiefs. Tavistock gave no ground to the bigger Exeter forwards, providing a good platform for the backs to move the ball. Tavistock won the game 21-7. In the final group game against Torquay TavIstock had a cushion knowing that Torquay would have to beat them by four clear tries to wrestle away group leadership. Torquay came out running and tested the Tavistock defence with some good work that resulted in two tries in the first half. The second half was dominated by Tavistock, who went on to win the group. In the semi finals against tournament hosts Exeter Saracens the Exeter team had the edge in the encounter as they capitalised well on their possession with some slick handling moves that stretched the Tavistock defence. In the final Exeter Saracens lost to Kingsbridge 14- 7. But is was well done to the Tavistock team for reaching their first semi final and playing some entertaining ambitious rugby. The Tavistock player of the tournament: Finlay Ross.
