Devon one

NORTH TAWTON 37

OLD TECHNICIANS 5

THE first home league match of the season was a chance for North Tawton to show their supporters what and how they want to play this year.

They started off in great style with four tries and the bonus point secured by the half time whistle.

The opening phases of play saw both sides testing out each others’ defence with some big hits going in from the home and visiting teams. North Tawton might have fast backs but they not afraid so show a bit of ‘grunt’ up front with Dan Quinn adding to the pack. James Millar made some important tackles at every opportunity so keeping the away side on the back foot.

There was confidence around Taw Meadow that the points would come. Matt Baker struck first on a loose ball and his try is added to by Gary Sizmur for 7-0. Another well taken penalty by Sizmur made it 10-0, giving the Old Techs coach plenty to consider with a couple of injuries not helping his cause.

The North Tawton backs started to run some wide lines around the Old Techs, who had a few Royal Marines in their line-up.

A good kick forward was well run onto by North Tawton’s James Bowden made it 15-0.

The home side had found the key to the Old Techs’ defence and Luke Dennis went over with Gary Sizmur adding the conversion for 22-0.

The Old Technicians had in no time gone from competing well to 22 points down, some of it their own making too many handling errors at critical times.

North Tawton wrapped up the bonus point with a second try from Matt Baker who grabbed an intercepted ball to put the home side 27-0 up at half time.

The second half saw the away team trying to up the physicality more big hits going in and some purposeful running lead to the Old Techs’ first and only try; the conversion bounced off the up-right for 27-5.

A nasty injury to North Tawton’s James Miller resulted in him leaving the field and not taking any further part, other than to pick up the man of the match award.

With the match all but gone from them, the Old Techs conceded another well worked try by Gary Sizmur who adds with his kick for 34-5.

A late yellow card for the Old Techs resulted in three penalty points added making the final score 37-5 with North Tawton sitting on top of the table.