Colts merit

Tavistock Colts 3

Exmouth Colts 10

TAVISTOCK Colts hosted Exmouth for the third game in the Devon Merit cup in harsh, wet and windy conditions.

As usual, this young, evolving Tavistock colts squad, did themselves proud and made Exmouth work hard during the game. It was a close game and it would be fair to say that Tavistock had the majority of the possession but once again some minor errors just outside the Exmouth try line denied Tavistock from converting chances into points.

It was Exmouth who had the large pack and both their tries were scored on either side of half time from line out drives, five yards from the Tavistock try line. 10-nil down but Tavistock kept going and strong performances from Toby Teague, Jason Blake, Joe Burbage and Robin Bickley in the forwards kept possession of the ball in the set pieces.

Jack Easton, Zac Gorton and Luke Lewandowski all provided strong defence in the backs. Will Hardman and Conner Baker on the wings had the speed but in difficult conditions, they could not take advantage of this.

Reuben Noy Scott played his first game for the Colts and acquitted himself well, while Jude White returned to the team after missing a number of games and added strength to the squad. Ed Nettleship converted a penalty in the second half, to close the gap to seven points and the last ten minutes had Tavistock on the Exmouth try line, pushing for the try and conversion to gain the draw. They were so close but just unable to get over the try line.

Tom Pearson was voted Tavistock man of the match by the Exmouth squad and both coaches and the referee praised the players for the great discipline and control.

Other results in the Tavistock group were a win for Crediton against Brixham (19-12), a win for Exeter Youth against Newton Abbot (19-5) and Plymstock getting a bye. Exmouth are top, Plymstock second, Exeter Youth third, Tavistock, Newton Abbot and Crediton are all level and Brixham at the bottom.