Tribute Cornwall and Devon

Tavistock 59

Exeter Saracens 26

TAVISTOCK’S?good home form continued with a committed display against Exeter Saracens.

The home side got off to a lively start playing some good passing rugby in difficult conditions. They created a number of chances to score in the opening five minutes.

Despite some poor decisions, Tavistock were rewarded for their efforts when Martin Budden finished a fine passing move to run in the first try of the game. Exeter responded quickly when they collected a dropped kick to pull level.

This pattern continued with Martin Budden scoring again for Tavistock only to see Exeter peg the home team back again. Exeter then began to put some phases together and despite Tavistock’s best efforts in defence, a lack of discipline produced a high penalty count against the home side and Exeter took the lead on 20 minutes with a smart penalty from ten metres out.

This proved to be the wake up call Tavistock needed. They began to move the ball quicker and attacked with pace and support.  At the breakdown they recycled quickly and when the opportunity arose, attacked the available space.  Tries from Steve Long, Callum Thompson and Ewan Smith saw Tavistock deservedly lead 33-19 at half time.   

In the second half Tavistock continued to dominate, building phases and attacking in numbers, leading to further tries from Steve Long, Andrew Schuttkacker and two from Ben Hadfield. 

Gareth Lovell added seven of nine conversions to complete the scoring for Tavistock. A lack of discipline from the home side resulted in four yellow cards prevented the score being greater, and allowed Exeter to score a bonus point try in the last few minutes.

Tavistock have suffered a lack of consistency so far this season using over 40 players in the first team. This performance showed that if they can cut out the ill-discipline, get a consistent side and continue to play with the same intensity they can progress up the league.