Tavistock seconds 14

Saltash seconds 10

ON a bitterly cold afternoon Tavistock rugby seconds entertained  their counterparts from Saltash. The visitors included a number of their colts and proved to be a well organised side with a good running threequarter line.

The heavy pitch and strong crosswind made it difficult to play expansive rugby and most of the game revolved around the two sets of forwards. Tavistock enjoyed much possession from the set scrums; rucks and mauls but were unable to mount any incisive attacks from their backs, due either to poor handling or effective defensive action from the visitors.

Saltash did manage to put together a good handling move midway through the half, which resulted in a try for their speedy left winger. The only other actions of note in the half were two mass 'handbagging' incidents involving a number of players from both sides.

The visitors went into half-time leading 5-0.

 Saltash started the second half on the offensive and a few minutes into the half, after some missed tackles from the home side scored a second unconverted try.

Following this reverse, Tavistock skipper Joe Pook galvanised his side and with fly half Dave Milligan putting in some excellent line kicks, the home side gradually started to wear down the visitors. Following some good phases from the forwards, scrum half Rob Milligan put in a neat chip ahead, which his brother Dave was first onto to score a well deserved try. Centre Nick Lane added a good conversion, to bring the score back to 7-10.

Tavistock continued to dominate proceedings, with the forwards now giving their opponents a tough time. Saltash defended solidly but with a few minutes remaining, another storming run from winger Chad Brading brought play deep into the Saltash 22; following another successful set scrum No 8, Andrew Griffiths, who was having his first game back after several months out injured, rumbled his way through the defence to score a well deserved try. Lane kicked another fine conversion, to put the home side ahead 14-10.

Tavistock continued to control the match for the remaining few minutes and closed the game out, for a hard fought, but deserved win.

All of the Tavistock forwards and replacements played their part, with flankers Joe Pook and Dan Clarke having outstanding games. Chad Brading and Nick Lane were the pick of the threequarters.