Devon Plate

Crediton RFC U14s 7

Tavistock RFC U14s 27

TAVISTOCK U14s regained form with style to secure a convincing win against Crediton.

With a downhill advantage, Tavistock started with temerity with slow arrival at the breakdown and with some wayward kicking into the opposition's hands.

There were, however, some early signs of team cohesion bonding the efforts of the forwards against a physically stronger pack with the expansive play of the backs.

An early score through Sam Pluckrose, who powered through a gap in the Crediton defence, defined the tenor of the match. The home side responded by taking advantage of a failure by Tavistock to mark and tackle the ball carrier and a try and conversion put them in the lead. It had the salutary effect of enabling Tavistock to recognise the Crediton style of the day and ensuring that strong runners were denied the ball.

Jake Johns and Jez Massy Birch on opposite wings for Tavistock displayed both speed and tenacity, which was rewarded by a try apiece from ball delivered by the strong centre of Jonty Newton, Will Colton and Rhys Davies and a convincing debut from Roger Blandford.

The backs' line up was completed by Frazer Bayliss at full back.

Tavistock fought for and retained possession through constant attrition by the forwards led by Dominic Dewson and supported by Sam Pluckrose, Kyle Maslen and Josh Langdon. Tavistock's expansive style improved as the confidence improved. It also produced tries by drawing the opposition off the ball.

In the second half and despite the uphill gradient, Tavistock took control and were able to play the style of rugby at which they are most proficient, while at the same time taming a stronger opposition pack through effort and determination. It was the most convincing effort by the team this season.