Tavistock 15

OPMs 16

TAVISTOCK started the match well, with the forwards dominating early exchanges, keeping the OPMs pinned in their half.

A good drive initiated by Tom Dawe was pulled down and Neil Evans slotted over the penalty.

Tavistock continued their good forward work and moving the ball wide Duncan Law made a searing break and as he was tackled Paul Greenhill was on hand to recycle for Neil Evans to score in the corner.

More good runs from Mike Lyddon and Mark Baker stretched the OPMs but their defence held firm. Then as Tavistock set up another attack, the ball was turned over and quick release gave the OPMs? winger a clear run-in under the posts.

Unfortunately, Tavistock had to substitute Darren Cole and this cut down the options at the lineout and seemed to disrupt the cohesion of the front five.

Tavistock started to give away penalties and hard fought for position was continually lost, mounting penalties took their toll, OPMs converting three of them.

With only minutes left, Tavistock regained their rhythm and focus. A great drive from the forwards took play to the OPMs? 22. Captain Lee Greatrex made a half-break and fed Jude Rotton who powered majestically through the defence to score under the posts, Josh Sutton converted.

From the restart, Tavistock again powered up the park. A clever chip over the defence almost had Phil Allen in at the corner, but a wicked bouncer allowed a desperate defence to clear and the game was lost.

On Saturday Tavistock travel to Ilfracombe and hopefully get back on the winning trail.