RNEC Cup

Tavistock RFC 9

OPM 6

THIS cup final was as tense and entertaining for the travelling support but for completely different reasons.

The first half started with the Moorlanders making deep inroads into the Old Plymouh Mannameadians’ defence but unable to cross the whitewash. An early penalty at the scrum gave the West Devon outfit opportunity to get on the score board but the dominance at scrum time was too tempting - unfortunately for them no other penalty was won at set piece for the remainder of the game.

OPM’s cleared their lines and did win a shot at goal only to miss to the right of the upright. They countered this effort on the stroke of half time completely against the run of play to go into the break 3-0 up against their higher ranked opposition.

The second half proved to be extremely tight and despite further dominance of possession from Tavistock, OPM’s defence was nothing short of excellent for the full 80 minutes. This continued pressure saw 23 phases structured together and eventually a penalty conceded which Mark Webber duly converted to bring the scores level.

This lifted the Devon/Cornwall side and moments later Webber double his tally to take the lead for the first time in the match 6-3.

Play continued to exchange hands and at regular intervals both sides found themselves in the 22 but were not clinical enough to out play the opposition defence.

Tavistock lost wing Ash Toll to a nasty tooth injury but welcomed fresh legs off the bench to continue exerting pressure on the Plymouth side. OPMs levelled up on 64 minutes to bring an exciting final quarter which saw chances for both clubs to seal the victory.

With three minutes to go OPM’s won a penalty 40 metres out to the right of the posts, the likelihood being that a score would seal the win. The kick went agonisingly close but was not converted. The resulting 22 saw Tavistock kick deep, the OPM full back knocked on only for his teammate to handle the ball in front and hence conceding a penalty 35 metres out in front of the posts.

Webber kept his nerve and slotted equidistant between the uprights. With seconds to go OPM’s did get into the Tavistock half when they turned down a shot for goal for better field position but Andrew Schuttkacker turned over the line out for Tavistock to play the game out. 

Pedrick Cup

Tavistock secs XV 32

Saltash seconds 37

TAVISTOCK RFC seconds travelled to the Rectory, Devonport on Wednesday night for not only one but two Plymouth Combination cup finals.

The second XV boasted a full squad to take on a strong Saltash side who have not lost many games this season.

The game started with the Cornishmen exerting much pressure in the Tavistock 22; Tavistock held strong for the first 10 minutes but eventually Saltash broke the defence from close range.

George Hillson almost immediately hit back with a well struck penalty to the left of the upright. This lifted Tavistock’s belief of overturning the cohesive Saltash and a good break and offload from Chris Watts saw Hillson feed Louis Cockcroft on a good line to finish well under the posts. Hillson converting and then adding a second penalty moments later to go two scores ahead.

This did lift Saltash as they scored two almost two identical tries in quick succession when their busy winger streaked down the right wing for a three minute brace. Tavistock did have the final say of the half when a well played advantage saw veteran Liam Mills go over from close range after a well constructed line out to give a half time score of 20-15.

The second half was as exciting as the first with tired bodies producing more gaps for attackers to expose. Saltash regained the lead when the ball was shipped to the left wing for a breakaway try similar to those in the first half. George Hillson added to his conversion and penalty tally when Rob Hockin hit a good line to feed Hillson on a jinking run between a number of defenders for the lead to once again go in favour of the Moorlanders.

On 60 minutes Saltash took control when they scored from scrappy ball at scrum time, added a penalty and ran in an unopposed try with Tavistock appealing for a knock on.

Tavistock had 10 minutes remaining to reduce a two score deficit and made a good start when Carl Parsons continued his good try scoring form of previous weeks to go over from close range.

This was to be the final score as one final attack was cut short and Saltash cleared to touch to complete a tense and entertaining game.