Western Counties West Tavistock 11 Wadebridge Camels 15 TAVISTOCK welcomed Wadebridge Camels to Sandy Park with a strengthened team from the previous week. The conditions were exceptional for September with no wind or rain giving the players the perfect opportunity for a running game. The home side took the early initiative putting Wadebridge under pressure from the kick-off. An infringement allowed Tavistock fly half Richard West to open the scoring with a penalty, to make it 3-0 to Tavistock. As the game progressed the Tavistock front row of Joe Bartlett, Jack Lewis and Tom Wood were put under pressure in the scrum. A break from the base by the Wadebridge number eight allowed a deft offload to openside Sam Stone who crossed the line unopposed. This was duly converted as the visitors took a 7-3 lead. The first half became scrappy with the visitors unable to ensure passes went to hand. The visitors did manage a period of sustained pressure during which the Tavistock defence was outstanding, notably Dom Conner putting in some big hits. Tavistock fought hard to regain possession and get into the Camels' 22. An off the ball incident resulted in a yellow card and West took the opportunity to kick another three points and close the gap to 6-7. Tavistock's confidence was running high as Ewan Smith fielded a high kick on the half way line; with space in which to run Smith opted for an attempt at a drop goal which sailed wide. With an extra man Tavistock kept the pressure on with West kicking into the bottom corner. A well constructed lineout move allowed veteran Andrew Griffiths to power over to make it 11-7 at half-time to the home team. The second half was a dogged affair with neither team seeming able to take the upper hand. Tavistock captain Doug Lloyd worked tirelessly in defence claiming five turnovers. The Tavistock scrum was being put under pressure resulting in the referee awarding a penalty to Wadebridge. This was slotted over by Mark Kempthorne to reduce the arrears to make it 11-10. By the 60th minute Tavistock appeared to run out of steam. The tenacious defence continued but it was only a matter of time until Wadebridge made a break through. Quick ball was recycled allowing Wadebridge second row Jack Scott to stroll over the line unopposed to make it 11-15 to Wadebridge. With five minutes to play Tavistock could find no way back into the game. Tavistock have plenty of work to do this week at training as with 20 minutes extra in their legs they will be a force to be reckoned with.