Devon Junior Cup
TOTNES 22
NORTH TAWTON 35
NOBODY said rugby is a summer game – it’s played on real grass come rain, wind or shine but this match was played in horrible conditions.
In the second half Totnes made their weight advantage in the pack really count on a wet surface with the much lighter North Tawton side conceded three tries but it can be said not without some hard fought defence work
The good work in the first 40 minutes put the game all but out of reach of Totnes. Ten minutes into the game and the North Tawton captain Craig Dennis showed the way to the try line for the visitors; James Bowden added the conversion for 7-0.
This settled any North Tawton nerves and soon scored a second try by Conner Mathis; Bowden added the extras for 14-0 and now North Tawton were up and running, taking control of the first 40 minutes.
Totnes hit back with a well struck drop goal but could not find away through the visitors’ defence so resort for a kick at the posts for 3-14. With half time approaching Gary Sizmur scored the best try of the match with a solo effort, making a good jinking run before going under the post; Bowden kicked the conversion to make it 21-3 to the visitors at half-time.
The second half shows North Tawton that no team are beaten until the final whistle.
North Tawton went further ahead with another good try by Connor Mathis, with the conversion added for 28-3. Totnes were now playing for their pride.
They added some heavier players and a change of tactics they pushed over for a hard earned try score for 28-8. Totnes were on a roll with their power play forward based rugby but Sizmur scored his second try for North Tawton and with Bowden adding the kick it was 35-8.
However, after 65 minutes it came the a battle of the packs and although Totnes succeeded in pushing over for two more tries reducing the score to 35-22 the North Tawton lighter forwards did more than enough to make sure the result was never in doubt.
North Tawton now progress to the semi final of the cup against old foes Torrington,