Cornwall and Devon

Tavistock 25

Lanner 24

TAVISTOCK entered the Christmas break on a real high after reaching their goal of three wins before Christmas, following a dogged performance against newly promoted Lanner.

With Lanner undefeated in their last five, it was always going to be a tough game but fielding arguably their strongest XV of the year, Tavistock recorded their eighth win; not without difficulty, however.

The game started well for the Moorlanders who arguably had a stroke of luck when centre Ben Hadfield committed to an interception to run in from 70 metres for the first score. Doug Lloyd who had an excellent, doubled the home side’s lead after being released by stand-in stand-off Mark Friend shortly after.

Lanner responsed well with a close range try of their own but only momentarily enjoyed it as Callum Thompson scored his second in as many weeks from 10 metres out. With another score from Lanner, half time closed in at 17-14.

After the break Lanner perhaps looked favourites and did not tire as Tavistock may have hoped.

A good passage of counter-attack saw hooker Charlie Charlton cross the whitewash, but once again it was cancelled out by Lanner from close range. Tavistock were under the cosh and went behind with only three minutes to play after conceding a penalty in their 22. This woke up the West Devonians and from the proceeding kick-off good work from man of the match Martin Budden led to a Tavistock penalty with 90 seconds to play.

After much deliberation it was Thompson who stepped up and slotted the kick to record a 25-24 victory for the Moorlanders. This result sees the side up to fifth with an impressive eight wins out of 14.