Cornwall and Devon

Tavistock RFC 30

Withycombe 5

TAVISTOCK made a welcome return to winning ways with a bonus point win against a Withycombe side who have beaten the top two this season. 

In bitterly cold and at times blizzard like conditions, Tavistock never looked like losing as they entertained the brave supporters from the Vice Presidents’ and sponsors’ lunch held prior to the game.

It was the home side who struck first when good work from a charge down by James Perkins saw Ethan Lamerton released out wide for the opening score. He went on to double his effort after shrugging off a tackler to go in under the sticks. Withycombe did hit back with a fine effort from close range but other than the occasional passage were forced to defend for the majority of the half.

Captain Andrew Schuttkacker finished off a fine set of phases after Carl Parsons made inroads into the visitors’ defence. It left the half-time score at 15-5 to Tavistock.

The second half saw a similar result as Tavistock threw the ball about with much confidence. With backs and forwards linking well it was Mark Friend who was next to get on the score sheet when Andrew Craddock released him in midfield.

Withycombe did suffer a number of injuries and were helped out by Tavistock who allowed Richard Cann and Tom Wood to play for the visitors in very much the spirit of the game.

Schuttkacker doubled his tally on the hour mark when player coach Hammy Kerswill offloaded 15 metres from the line. The conversion was once again missed; perhaps an indicator of the torrid conditions.

Man of the match Perkins was once again involved in the final score of the match when a sleek line out move resulted in an offload for Kerswill to go over for a rare score.