Devon Merit division two

Exmouth thirds 32

Tavistock seconds 10

WITH several players being called up to the first team, Tavistock seconds only had a bare 15, to take on a useful Exmouth side.

Exmouth soon pressed the Tavistock defence and scored the first try after five minutes, on the end of a series of forward drives.

Although Exmouth were enjoying the majority of possession, Tavistock put together some good attacks of their own and strong driving from forwards Pete Davis, Tom Dawe and Lee Easton, together with some fine runs from winger Blair Vanstone and centres Rob Milligan and Ollie O'Reilly, threatened the Exmouth line on a number of occasions.

Despite the best efforts of both sides, the only further scoring  in the first half was a penalty to each team, with Tavistock's points coming from veteran fly half Martyn Credicott.

Leading 8-3 at half time Exmouth went on to dominate much of the second half and scored four more tries - three from good handling moves from their threequarters and the last from their number 8 off the back of a scrum five metres out. Two of the tries were converted.

Tavistock enjoyed one short period on the attack in the half and after some strong driving from the pack, lock Lee Easton forced his way over for a try. Credicott added the conversion.

Tavistock battled for the whole 80 minutes and never stopped tackling, but were unable to subdue a well organised Exmouth side. Not for the first time this season, Tavistock were not able to win any share of lineout ball.

n This week Tavistock seconds are away to Honiton in a Merit league match, kick-off 2.30pm.