Merit

Barnstaple seconds 18

Tavistock seconds 17

TAVISTOCK seconds travelled to Barnstaple and came up against a very experienced Barum squad.

For once, Tavistock got away to a good start and after a good attacking run from left wing Josh Birch, the forwards gained possession; a strong drive ended with lock Andrew Griffiths skipping through the last line of the defence for the first try of the game. Fullback Dave Milligan added the conversion.

The home side hit back straight from the restart and after good phases from their much bigger forwards, an equalising try soon followed.

Barnstaple continued to keep on the front foot, with numerous attacks, but some fine defensive play from the visitors, with Dan Dawes and Birch making some crucial tackles,  denied any further score, until a lineout close to the Tavistock line saw a catch and drive end with a second Barum try after 25 minutes. Worse was to follow for the visitors, when shortly after this score, influential skipper, Joe Pook, who was having a fine match, suffered a suspected neck injury and took no further part in the game. Half-time arrived with the home side leading 10 – 7.

With the wind advantage now, it was Tavistock's turn to dominate proceedings and they spent a long period camped in the Barnstaple half of the field, but failed to press home their advantage.

Midway through the half, Milligan landed a penalty to bring the scores level and a few minutes later, Josh Birch scored a try from an interception. Milligan added the conversion and Tavistock were back in front 17-10.

The home side used their large squad to bring on several pairs of fresh legs and gradually regained the initiative. Ten minutes from the end, they scored a try in the right hand corner, to cut Tavistock's lead to two points.

The home side were now keeping the pressure on and the tiring Tavistock players suffered a series of penalty awards against them, one of which resulted in a successful kick two minutes from time, enabling Barnstaple to pinch victory by one point.

 It was a good effort from the whole Tavistock side, but the injury to skipper Pook and a failure to put any points on the scoreboard during the first 20 minutes of the second half was probably the difference between victory and defeat on this occasion.