THIS was a tale of two halves in a hard fought game between two competitive sides. 

In the first half Tavistock got off to a solid start with good pressure being applied at the breakdown and some good handling in the backs. 

As a result, Tavistock took the lead with a well worked tap penalty mid-way through the first half, with Josh Langdon producing a powerful try from close range. 

However, Tavistock lost concentration with the visitors enjoying a good period of possession during which they pulled the home side from one side of the field to the other. The equaliser soon followed as Tavistock failed to cover the blind-side after a series of rucks. 

With the match finely balanced Tavistock collected themselves and became more composed on the ball.  They used their possession well and worked the ball into a dangerous position.  With Paignton on the back foot, they conceded a penalty under the posts which Dave Milligan dispatched to give Tavistock a half time lead. 

In the second half Tavy produced a determined performance.  Defensively they were cohesive across the entire back line, applying pressure all over the pitch and forcing error after error, to the extent that nearly all of the second period was played in the Paignton half of the pitch. 

With the ball Tavistock showed great composure - the second try was such a moment, with Dom Connor and Kier Murphy combining effectively off the back of a scrum to set up Mawgan Preece in the corner. 

The third try was the result of great pressure and teamwork.  Tavistock capitalised on a mistake, formed a driving maul, and Kier Murphy finished off from close range.

Dave Milligan added a further two penalties and a conversion to complete the scoring. 

Tavistock might have scored more if they had worked the ball wide more frequently in the second half, but this did not detract from an overall good performance from a team who are becoming increasingly resilient. 

Having only conceded 18 points in their last four games, Tavistock are building a solid foundation to a successful team.  This week Tavistock play Crediton.