Devon junior cup

Old Technicians 10

North Tawton 33

THIS weekend saw North Tawton visit Old Techs in the semi final of the Devon Junior Cup. With a couple of losses to their name in the weeks previous and the prospect of a home final being on the cards, the stakes were as high as they could be for the visitors.

Fortunately for North Tawton did not disappoint as they gave their travelling supporters a fine showing of running rugby despite a few notable absences.

The first 20 minutes of the game saw both sides sizing one another up in an even affair; it did, however, not take a rugby guru to work out it was a battle of the differences as Old Techs preferred the route one option where as North Tawton opted for their strength out wide.

The deadlock was broken on the 20 minute mark after a missed chance at goal spurred an onslaught of scores which saw three tries in eight minutes. Firstly, a turnover in midfield caught the Techs off guard as the ball was shipped wide into skipper Will Letherbridge's hands who welcomed a return to form as he scored the first of a brace under the sticks.

Next up was a five pointer for Jake Ayris after more neat hands freed up space down the right flank. Alex Dennis, capping a solid performance, converted the score from the touch line. Finally Letherbridge was over again as he collected his own chip and chase with a bit of luck to complete his double.

With all the commotion seemingly over, Jack Phare was sent to the bin for a disagreement with his opposite number. This man advantage was utilised by the Technicians who dotted down on 38 minutes from a driving maul five metres out to make it 21-5 to the visitors at half-time.

The second half saw the introduction of Adam Davis and Alfie May into the pack and Tom Wilkins at nine, all of whom adding an extra zip into proceedings. It was May who finished off a spontaneous penalty move five metres from the line.

With the game now looking sealed for Tawton Ben Sharp continued his good run of scores to touch down and Dennis added the conversion — not before a red card was awarded to the Techs number six.

Old Technician had the final word but left it too late as they scored a consolation try minutes from time.