Cornwall and Devon

Paignton first XV 9

Tavistock first XV 5

TAVISTOCK started the new year in a very much bittersweet mood after narrowly losing away from home to high flying Paignton.

With a number of absentees and late drop outs Tavistock eventually arrived in south Devon with little time to prepare for the monumental task in hand. On the back of three wins and three superb defensive displays before Christmas, Tavistock did have a modest confidence about them.

The game was evenly poised for the duration of the match with both sides sharing both territory and possession. After an early Paignton onslaught it was Tavistock who struck early; a kick to the corner saw Tavistock catch and drive immaculately to give an easy touch down for prop Josh O’Neill. This gave Tavistock much confidence for the rest of the game.

They did concede a couple of penalties which were duly converted by Paignton’s number 10 and also lost Sam Smerdon to the sinbin shortly before half time for an unfortunate breach of the new year laws. At half-time the score was 6-5 to the home side.

The second half saw Tavistock continue to dominate the set piece, winning penalties at scrum time and a good platform for the West Devonians’ exciting backs to work with. Debutant Chris Stables was electric at scrum half and kicked well along side fly half partner Andrew Smerdon who had a fantastic game.

Some dogged defence on their own line  saw Tavistock work their way up the field; Doug Lloyd was imperious with ball in hand.

The guests did lose player coach Kerswill to the sinbin for a professional foul but to no cost as the game remained tightly poised. A few missed penalty goals were exchanged along with a successful one for the hosts. It was the final seconds that saw the most drama, however, as Tavistock worked their way to the Paignton line setting up a driving maul excellently only to see it dragged down with no sanction given from the referee.

This was an excellent performance by Tavistock away from home despite coming so close to an emphatic victory!

Friendly

Old Plymouth Mannameadians 10

Tavistock seconds 14

TAVISTOCK turned up at Elburton with 12 players in a second team friendly against OPMs. Luckily for them a friend of Ash Martin from Plymstock Albion Oaks had phoned saying some of his guys were looking for a game so they brought down seven players to help the visitors.

Playing down the slope in the first half Tavistock struggled to break through the OPM defence. Billy wild goose was having a good game until he was forced off with a split head; Jack Easton and Chris Watts also played well as colts making the step up to senior rugby.

The Tavistock front row of Ash Martin, Nathan Peck and Liam Mills were strong at scrum time but the visitors went in 7-0 down at half-time.

Playing up the slope Tavistock thought they were going to struggle against the large OPM pack but good defence especially from the two lads from the Oaks and captain PJ Wilcox kept them out.

OPM picked up another penalty which they converted. However, Tavistock managed to pick up a try under the post which colt Chris Watts converted. Second team manager Credicott then played his trump card and brought on Elliot Grange on the wing.

With the last play of the game Tavistock ran a penalty from their 22, passed it down the line to Grange, who out stripped four OPM players to score out wide for Ben of Oaks to convert to give the win to the visitors.