Cornwall and Devon

Crediton 7

Tavistock 32

AFTER winning the last 15 games this would prove to be Tavistock's hardest test for some time. The visitors, without captain Lloyd James, played hooker Will Tomkins who gave a faultless complete performance.

Perfect conditions for rugby allowed the visitors a flying start. Tavistock recycled the ball and with slick hands from the backs allowed Charlie Furnival to outclass his opposite number and dive over for a try in the right hand corner.

Tavistock's next two scores came from the boot of West with two drop goals to make it 0-11.

West kept Tavistock in the Crediton half with his kicks allowing the backs to try their luck at the static defence. Dave Goodspeed and Dan Luffman piled on the pressure with runs from all angles while the bruising centre partnership of Doug Lloyd and Ross Batten refused to take a backward step. It was Batten who, within minutes of half time, who released Funival to dive over for his brace. West added the extras 0-18

The second half started in a more physical fashion.

The back row of Duncan Law and James Bruna worked hard for Tavistock to be the first players at every breakdown causing frustration from the opposition — eventually leading to a try as Batton exploited a hole in the home defence to power over for a try. West converted it for 0-25

Tavistocks final score came from a superb turnover from Mark Friend, tackling and isolating the opposition allowing the front row of Aid Baker and Mat Martin to secure possession; fast hands fed the ball to Batton who went overr next to the post with four defenders hanging off him. West added the extras 0-32.

The final action of the game came after a lack of concentration saw Crediton go over for a try, which they duly converted.

This sixteenth win on the trot leaves Tavistock in contention for the league this season.