Cornwall and DevonPirate Amateurs 34Tavistock 29THE Moorlanders embarked on their longest away trip, south west to Penzance. The game was to be a thriller that ultimately was decided in the last play of the game.

Playing on the Cornish Pirates Mennaye Fields, conditions were perfect for a fast free flowing game. It was the Amatuer’s who started the brighter scoring two unanswered tries and slotting a penalty as Tavistock were poor defensively on the ‘one versus one’ front.

Despite the 17 unanswered points Tavistock eventually found their feet with a fine try from Martin Budden, with Andrew Craddock converting to leave the half-time score 17-7 to the home team.

The second half started in similar fashion to the first as the Cornish hosts went a further two tried up bringing the score to 29-5.

Just when the game looked dead and buried, Tavistock found a spark that ignited some superb counter attacking rugby. With the Tavistock back line looking threatening every time they got the ball, much of the territory was gained through metres made with ball in hand.

Charlie Charlton for the Moorlanders was the benefactor on the scoresheet as he score a quick brace from close range. Captain Andy Schuttkacker was up next when he broke free from 20 yards to go over the white-wash.

With the score at 29-22 everything was to play for in the final eight minutes and almost immediately George Hillson ran in a fine solo effort for the visitors to level the scores.

A draw was perhaps a fair result but it was not to be as sustained pressure on the Tavistock line from the kick off eventually saw the Pirates go over in the final play of the game with a try that may or may not have seen a foot in touch. However, there were two bonus points away from home and a spirited fightback from the Moorlanders.