Buckfastleigh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

North Tawton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

BEFORE you read the results and think this was a walkover for Buckfastleigh, think again.

North Tawton in this away league match started well, with the forwards rucking and mauling some excellent ball to allow some good threequarters' moves.

With some good kicking for territory by captain John Stone it allowed North Tawton to dominate play, which eventually allowed winger Adrian Grimshaw to put full back Ross Lawrence over for a try, converted by scrum half Joe Fewings. The understanding between Ross and Adrian sometimes seems telepathic.

Then an exchange of converted penalties saw the scoreline go to North Tawton's favour 10-3.

North Tawton continued to keep the pressure on, and were unlucky to have Grimshaw cross over again for a disallowed try.

On the stroke of half-time versatile prop, Phil Arnold, who is proving one of North Tawton's greatest assets, had to go off with an injury.

The score at the break was 10-3 to the visitors.

With Martin Horn bravely filling in for prop and Danny North coming in at No 8 the scrum took on a different feel and Buckfastleigh took full advantage. For the second half North Tawton were camped in their own half, so it was not long before this pressure began to tell. It was from a scrum that Buckfastleigh's scrum half darted over for a try to take the lead for the first time, 13-14.

With North Tawton scrum understandably under considerable pressure, Buckfastleigh began to dominate the second half, and with the home side camped in the visitors' half it was not long before the score began to mount up, with tries on the wing and the centre.

North Tawton's effort was valiant but not sustained, due to the fact there is a dearth of front row forwards in the club. Maybe it is time to try other members of the pack in this position to strengthen an otherwise excellent, spirited performance by North Tawton.

This week 1st against Exeter Saracens II away, and the 2nd against Exeter Saracens III at home. Come on down to North Tawton.