IT was another solid performance by the Tavistock Colts this week against the Exeter Saracens and their second clean sheet in a row. Although conditions were damp, the game managed to avoid the major downpours that seemed to surround the local area.

Tavistock started well with the forwards winning the scrums and front row Joe Burbage storming through to score the opening try. After a period of possession for Tavistock and a strong run from Olly Munn-Tyrrell, they were five yards out from the Saracens line. A smart pass from scrum half Tom Pearson, to fly half Luke Lewandowski, and then on to Ed Nettleship nearly released Will Hardman into the corner and only the scrambled defence stopped a second try.

It did come, however, after a switch move from Luke to Nettleship confused the Saracens’ defence and saw Nettleship nearly make it to the line. It was the speed, from the quick thinking James Paxman, who cleared the subsequent ruck and allowed Toby Teague to pick and dive over for the try. Nettleship converted the try to make it 12-nil.

The second half saw the strength of the Tavistock defence as Archie Allen, Robin Bickley, Jack Smyly, Connor Baker and Joe Burbage all put in big tackles.

The whole squad defended their line as a team. Eventually, a penalty was awarded to Tavistock, meant Ed Nettleship could secure another three points stretching the game out of reach of Saracens. The return of Olly Noy Scott from injury was a massive boost to the team who now look forward to their second cup game on Saturday away to Exeter Youth.