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Tavistock Colts 10

Barnstaple Colts 20

TAVISTOCK Colts hosted the Devon champions, Barnstaple at Sandy Park on Saturday in wet conditions.

The home side started against the wind and matched Barnstaple in the rucks and scrum, while in open play they gained the advantage. After some great defensive work by Jack Easton and Edward Nettleship, a good run by Olly Noy Scott saw Tavistock 10 yards out from the Barnstaple try line. A simple pick and go move from the number eight Toby Teague saw him over the try line and it put Tavistock in front.

Barnstaple started to work their way back into the game and although they were losing a number of their line outs, due to great work by Robin Bickley, their large pack started to dominate the scrums. This led to two tries for Barnstaple just before half time, taking the score to 10-5.

Tavistock now had the wind behind them but Barnstaple played to their strengths and against the wind kept the ball close to hand and within the pack. A high tackle meant Tavistock dropped to 14 men and this resulted in a third try for Barnstaple. Tavistock did not give up and some tremendous tackling by Joe Burbage, Zac Gorton, Jack Smyly and Olly Munn Tyrrell put Tavistock in touching distance of the try line.

A short clearance by Barnstaple allowed full back James Paxman to execute another run back to their 22. Great control by Jasper Cameron and Jason Blake at the breakdown saw more yards made by Tavistock and good hands from Luke Lewandowski and Toby put Edward over the line for a try.

With only five points between the two teams and five minutes to go, Tavistock pressed for a third try but despite having possession Barnstaple cleared their line and pushed on to score the final try.

This was a good competitive game, played by both teams in the right spirit.