Colts Shield

Tavistock Colts 5

Bideford Colts 12

(match abandoned)

REGRETTABLY for both teams the weather had the last word in this Colts Shield match. The referee was forced to call proceedings to a premature halt after about 15 minutes of the second half, due to the worsening weather and the playing surface becoming too dangerous to continue.

The game had been played in a freezing, strong North Westerly wind which blew across the pitch, accompanied by a series of rain or sleet showers, all of which made trying to play any worthwhile rugby well nigh impossible.

Tavistock did manage to make an early break and a fine run from fullback Adam Williams produced a try.

The remainder of the first half saw the Tavistock forwards dominating the set scrums and winning a good share of ball from the lineouts and loose play, but the conditions made handling and running almost impossible, so play was continually breaking down.

A rare attack from Bideford produced an equalising try just before halftime and the teams changed ends with the score at 5 -5.

The second half continued much as before, in what were becoming even worse conditions.

Bideford were adjudged to have scored a second try from one farcical passage of play, that saw the ball ricochet among several feet and bodies and ended with the referee awarding a try. With the players now finding it difficult to keep their feet on the playing surface, the referee brought the game to a halt.

Both teams, the referee and the spectators deserve enormous credit for combating the conditions for as long as they did.