Tavistock Colts 12

Newton Abbot Colts 17

TAVISTOCK were able to play this fixture despite having three players away representing Devon. Fortunately, under 16 players Luke Lewandowski, Toby Teague, Joe Burbage and Jude White all stepped up an age group and played admirably for the Moorlanders.

Tavistock were unlucky to concede a try early in the first half despite having had the lion’s share of possession.

Jack Easton Chris Watts and Chris Poyntz all looked to keep the back line moving and get the ball across the pitch into the wide channels. Unfortunately for the home side they could not make this possession count and right on the stroke of half time they turned the ball over and some nifty pop passes from Newton Abbot saw them score a second to lead 10-0 at half time. 

Tavistock started the second period slowly and looked to be out of the game when they conceded a third try in the opening ten minutes. This was, however, the catalyst they needed to fire themselves into life.

Toby Teague and Joe Burbage started to make yards with some powerful carries and Jack Easton started to kick for territory more. This resulted in a lineout in the Newton 22 and a clever throw to the front of line by Jasper Cameron resulted in a charge up the touchline from Burbage; he passed the ball inside to number eight Teague who finished superbly, bursting his way over the line. Jack Easton nailed the tricky conversion from wide out on the right hand side.

Tavistock were now in the ascendency and full back Ben Milligan looked to run at every opportunity. His mazy running caused Newton problems all afternoon and after taking a quick tap penalty from ten metres he jinked over to take a well deserved try. Playing out of position in the pack Sean Donnelly and Billy McNicol worked tirelessly. Late in the game Jude White made a break down the wing and Billy Wildgoose kept working hard in the rucks chasing kicks.

Knowing the time was up Newton Abbot kicked the ball off the pitch to bring the game to a close.