Crediton Seconds and Thirds 31
North Tawton 14
CREDITON RFC started a yard faster than the opposition. But North Tawton have not had as much match practice as they would have wished and it showed, with Crediton dominating open exchanges.
Courtney Lucas in the centre for Crediton soon scored a converted try.
North Tawton, with the welcome return of captain Neil Peters after an injury lay-off, were unlucky when Crediton broke out of a defensive position to see Richard Appleyard on the wing get a breakaway try which was converted, to leave the score at half-time 14-0.
After the break North Tawton began to put together some good spells of aggressive attacking and the forwards put in some strong running with Nigel Denis having a storming game, tackling everything in sight.
It was from a set piece that Crediton wing Jeff James scored in the corner.
North Tawton again came back with young prop Peter Bragg to the fore and were unlucky when an interception by Paul Curry on the wing for Crediton saw him race over for a try.
When Appleyard went over for his second try it looked all over for Tawton.
But they again showed great spirit and Jamie Hoggins, making a welcome return and playing out of position at scrum half, marshalled his forwards well and a ruck and penalty on the Crediton line was rewarded by a good forward ball to dart over for a well deserved try. Captain for the day, Joe Fewings, converted.
This spurred North Tawton. Nigel Denis tackled in the middle of the pitch and fed Hoggins who ran half the pitch for his second try, again converted by Fewings.
North Tawton coach Rod Stoddart was still concerned about the lack of players at his disposal but two good displays caught his eye, newcomer Andy Poole, having an impressive debut on one wing, and ever improving Chris Maunder on the other flank, who made three try saving tackles.
l North Tawton are home to Plymouth Argaum this Saturday, kick-off 2.30pm.