EDF Senior Vase

Tavistock 22

Penryn 15

TAVISTOCK first XV progressed to the second round of the vase with a clear victory over Penryn at Sandy Park on Saturday. This was the first time these two clubs had met at first XV level, Penryn having previously been in a more exultant position in the league structure and because of this neither side knew quite what to expect.

Tavistock fielded a young side, with average age of only 22, and all the new faces, including four players who were playing Colts rugby last season, played a full part in the victory.

Penryn started the better of the two sides and forced Tavistock deep into their own half. Penryn then used their forwards to get Sid Savasse over for a try converted by Aaron Peacock.

Tavistock then got themselves back in to the game with using their backs to test the Penryn defence and were rewarded with a penalty converted by fly half Josh Sutton.

Further pressure saw flanker Duncan Law muscle his way over for a try which was converted by Sutton to give Tavy a slender three point lead. As half time approached Sutton was unlucky to be denied a try when he was stopped short of the line after a break in the Penryn 22.

Tavistock did extend their lead just before half time when after winning a scrum in midfield the ball was spun quickly right and full back Dave Goodspeed chipped the defence and ran on to collect the ball and score wide out on the right.

Tavistock knew that the second half playing against the slope would come down to dogged defence and that the first score would be crucial.

Early in the half Tavistock again used their backs to good effect, centres Matt Witcher and Mark Deebner combined to put wing Andrew Smerdon into space. When Andrew was stopped Tavistock quickly recycled the ball and flanker Will Brown crossed for the try, converted by Sutton.

Tavistock were then forced to defend their lead and concede a penalty goal converted by Peacock and a second try from Savasse, again Peacock converted.

As full time approached Tavistock took the game to Penryn and at the final whistle had held on for a comfortable victory.

Penryn again visit Tavistock in a fortnight's time for a league when they will be looking to turn the tables.

l This Saturday Tavistock travel to Okehampton for their first game in their Cornwall and Devon league campaign of this season. Kick off 3pm.