FriendlyTavistock RFC Locals 29

Tavistock RFC Legends 15

LEGENDS’ captain Pete Davies won the toss against Locals stand-in captain Jack Jones and opted to play up the slope on the Tavistock RFC second XV pitch.

The game started in an even fashion with both teams flinging the ball about in typical Baa-Baa’s fashion despite the inevitable handling error or two!

It was not until the 15th minute that the Locals struck the first blow when the returning George Hillson broke free from 40 metres to score the first of what would be a hat-trick of tries. It was the Locals who struck again when Aidan Mason, who has re-signed for the club, broke down the left flank and just evaded a chase from brother Gareth to score out wide.

Half- time came with the score line 12-0 in favour of the Locals.

After a festive port supplied by Paul Williams and some changes to both sides, the second half started with the heavens opening and conditions underfoot worsening. Despite this, the large crowd remained on the side-line and the game carried on with plenty more points being scored. It was the Locals that continued the scoring when Hillson went over for his brace but the Legends did strike back after some dogged defence when Pete Davis scored from close range.

The Legends continued to enjoy possession for much of the next period and made a number of strong carries via veterans Rob Monk and Ambrose Mcguire who made inroads into Local territory. Andrew Griffiths was the eventual benefactor evading a number of tackles to go over for his first score as a retiree.

Hillson completed his hat-trick shortly after to maintain the Locals lead but a fine try from Mason senior shortly kept the game alive for the Legends. The game finished in style when Tom Charlesworth turned over Legend possession, not for the first time during the match; he released the backs before the hooker/front row converted to go over from five metres out. Joe Hair slotted the conversion moments before the final whistle to make the full-time secore 29-15 to the Locals.