Tavistock Club XV 17

Exiles XV 5

DESPITE the bitterly cold; wet weather, a good crowd assembled for the annual Boxing Day match at Sandy Park.

With several of the usual Exiles not available this year, it was the opportunity for the Club side to notch their first win in this fixture for several years. An opportunity that they did not miss.

One particular Exile, veteran fullback Ambrose McGuire, had travelled back from the Middle-East, where the temperature was considerably warmer.

The game was a close run affair throughout the whole match, with defences on top for much of the time.

The Club side scored the opening try through centre Rob Milligan and fly half Richard Goldsby-West added the conversion, to open up a 7-0 lead, which was maintained up to halftime.

In the second half, the Club side notched further tries through Goldsby-West and skipper Doug Lloyd, to stretch the lead to 17 -0.

The Exiles, whose forwards had given a good account of themselves throughout, had the last word, when prop Tim Child bundled his way over the try line just before the end, to give a final score of 17-5 to the Club team.

As usual, the game was well refereed by Brian Barclay, in his last match before he goes travelling. The club wish him bon voyage.

After the match, spectators and players all retreated to the warmth of the clubhouse for much reminiscing; refreshment and singing.