Friendly

Tavistock seconds 0

THIS friendly fixture was put in place to shake off the festive cobwebs before both sides are due to be back in league action next weekend. With both sides having the elements to battle against on the smallest of the Taw Meadow pitches, the game was sure to bring much physicality.

It was the home outfit that dominated proceedings as their continued demonstration of quick paced rugby was on show despite the battling conditions.

The first half was very much one in North Tawton's favour as the half started with Jack Phare maintaining his fine form and finishing the game's first try after just two minutes. The second score followed shortly as the Tawton forwards manoeuvred a driving maul infield for Tom Davis to finish off.

Further North Tawton tries came from first half braces for Ben Sharp and Simon Quick and Carey for a single - bundling over from close quarters. Perhaps the score of the half was from 18 year old debutant Connor Stevens who broke free down the right wing to finish off a well taken backs move from 40 metres out, giving a half time score of 42-0 to the home side.

The second half saw an inspired team talk from Martyn Credicott bring his young Tavistock team back to life as they enjoyed much improved possession and territory throughout.

It was at scrum time that a stalemate was found between teams as unusually not a single scrum was taken against the head all game – this effort saw both sides' front rows work tirelessly around the park with Hair and Welsh prominent in the loose for the Moorlanders.

Matt Dennis, though, secured early second half points for the hosts, with Jake Ayris adding the extras.

It was at this point that Tavistock perched themselves on Tawton's line as a fine chip through from Milligan Junior was unluckily held up on the line; Tavistock could not though find a way to cross the Tawton whitewash which pleased the hosts more so than the score line due to some superb runs from Tavistock's Clark and Tharme who looked more than threatening.

Late tries for North Tawton came from the returning North, Matt Baker and Simon Quick, who completed his hat-trick after feeding and releasing the ball in mid field only to receive it back infield off Cornthwaite for a complete try and conversion..