Cornwall and Devon

Tavistock 1st XV 12

Withycombe 1st XV 7

FOR the first time this season, Tavistock came from behind, to record a victory against a side who piled on the points against them last season.

In very sodden conditions Tavistock started the livelier team as they had much of the possession. Schuttkacker and Hadfield were particularly promising in defence and attack respectively.

Despite the bright start it was Withy who were to strike first. In their first bit of prolonged possession the guests found one of their larger carrying forwards who bundled over from close range. The conversion was duly added from out wide.

In previous weeks an early score has seen Tavistock struggle to up the gears instantly, in this instance, however, a real workman like effort was put in.

A number of probing runs from Jamie Turpin, who has been a revelation on the wing this season and some excellent support play from James Bruna, saw Tavistock looking the gutter team.

The scores were to be levelled before half time as man of the match Hadfield broke free under the sticks for Dan Oner to convert.

The second half proved to be a scrappy affair with much ill discipline from the away team. Having had a man sin binned in the first half for side entry, Withycombe were to play much of the remainder of the game with 13 men, when their second row saw red for a number of punches.

With the extra man advantage Tavistock boosted much possession but the Withycombe held strong.

That was until a further sin binning in the pack saw the introduction of Hair to the Tavistock scrum, leading to a turnover five metres out and a trademark close score for Mark Friend who slotted into ten for the game.

With the clock against them, Withycombe struggled to find the Tavistock 22 to achieve the one score they needed to level.

Some sensible rugby from Tavistock played the game out to the final whistle, much to the joy of the players and large crowd of spectators.

n Next week the 1st XV travel to leaders Falmouth, while the 2nds host Kingsbridge at Sandy Park.