Kingsbridge Colts 22

Tavistock Colts 5

THE game started in the worst possible manner for Tavistock as a poor kick-off lead to Kingsbridge returning the ball at pace before finishing off with a try in the corner after several miss tackles. The try was converted well from out wide.

The early frailties were irradicated and from the kick-off the visitors came out of the blocks firing all cylinders. Great tackles up-front lead to good ball which the backs could attack through centre Connor.

The next 20 minutes saw both sides defending well, while the home sides backs looked to punch holes the Tavistock forwards kept mobile and forced numerous scrimmages.

A Kingsbridge try came after quick ball fed their centres to run great lines before the winger finished in the corner. Again the try was converted.

Tavistock did not let their heads drop and were rewarded with a penalty in midfield which was kicked into the corner. Kingsbridge were unable to stop the Tavistock forwards, who after setting up a maul five metres out off a lineout, led to hooker Budden finishing with a superb forwards effort.

The second half started as the first had finished with Tavistock on top. Longden directed the game well utilising both his backs and his boot. However Kingsbridge were resilient in defence.

It was now Tavistock's turn to defend as wave upon wave of Kingsbridge attack came as they neared the Tavy 22; however inspirational tackling throughout the team kept the South Devon side away for a good 10 minutes. However the pressure finally led to a penalty, which Kingsbridge duly scored.

Soon after Tavistock's Bourton and a Kings' player both found themselves in the bin due to repeated offences by both teams.

However Tavistock stayed strong and made some good lines of attacked, however none lead to anything more.

With little time left both sides were restored to 15 men and Kingsbridge took advantage of a lack in concentration which allowed the scrum half to dart down the blind side to finish the game with the third try for the home side.

However, Tavistock left South Devon full of confidence in what must be one of the team's best performances of the season.