TAVISTOCK again clustered with Newquay for the Tavistock/Newquay U18s' South West tournament Festival of Rugby hosted by Devonport Services. The town girls destroyed the opposition with tries from all the players.

The incessant rain throughout the afternoon at the Rectory Ground made the ball slippery, which should have resulted in kicking game and a forwards slug-out. Tavistock had none of that, and decided to offload at close quarters and run the ball at the defence.

In spite of the conditions, there were few unforced errors, allowing the backs to run in tries on a regular basis in all of the matches. They were never troubled after scoring a try in the opening minutes of each game and able to relax slightly afterwards knowing that each game was under control.

The pick of the tries came against the home team. A loose ball near the centre of the pitch was picked up by Flo Rodgers, who darted through the forwards only to be tackled and go to ground. The ruck was won and the ball moved along the backs to the right wing. The ball returned towards the centre of the pitch and went through a further six sets of hands giving space to Bronwyn Rundle to sprint the final 10 metres to score under the posts for her fourth try of the afternoon.

The whole team having played together several times now operated as a well oiled machine: making the break and offloading, or going to ground and winning the ruck. Tavistock won the games with this open exciting rugby, although they were put under pressure at some of the set pieces. Not only did they win the tournament, but stand-off Annabel Longden was awarded player of the tournament.

Tavistock/Newquay tries were scored by Flo Rodgers, Hannah Morris, Thea Crosby, Annabel Longden, Bronwyn Rundle, Fen Easthaugh and Lizzie Crocker.