Devon 1

Tavistock 27

Old Technicians 18

TAVISTOCK won one of the most important matches they will play this season — a battle to escape relegation into Devon 2.

Before the game, Tavistock stood third from bottom with Old Techs directly below them. If Tavistock had lost, the positions would have been reversed and, with two teams due to be relegated at the end of the season, they would have been under a lot of pressure in the remaining fixtures.

There was a strong wind blowing to the bottom right corner of the Plymouth pitch and for the first ten minutes, Old Techs kept Tavistock pinned in their own 22. Tavistock took their first opportunity to counter attack and strong running from centre Robin Weldon enabled him to burst through the defence to score.

Fly half Josh Sutton converted, and Tavistock had an important seven point lead.

Despite this, play was patchy throughout and Tavistock began to make forced errors in their own half. Techs converted a penalty before Tavistock broke with the ball again, Credicott marshalling well, sending the ball wide to winger Glenn Martin, who ran in the try.

Again Tavistock made mistakes under pressure and strong running from Techs and poor concentration and marking allowed the Plymouth side to score two tries just before half-time, leaving Tavistock 14-13 in the lead.

The beginning of the second half saw a strong start from Techs, but Tavistock took charge, dictating loose play with an effective combination of quick rucks and rolling mauls.

The ball was spun wide and a Tavistock try looked inevitable. Great driving and rucking from Matt Cole, Andy Hunt and Andrew Griffiths, released the ball wide to Martin, who drew the defence cleverly allowing Credicott to run in the try.

Sutton converted again and added two penalties to his score. The game was beyond Techs, but consistent pressure on the Tavistock line resulted in a try to the Plymothians.

With some difficult fixtures ahead Old Techs look certain to be relegated. Tavistock have little room to manoeuvre, though, and must ensure they win some of their remaining league fixtures to put themselves out of danger.