Plymstock Oaks U9s 20

Tavistock U9s 15

BEAUTIFUL sunshine and surprisingly firm ground made for ideal conditions as two closely matched sides met for Tavistock's first competitive games for nearly a month.

Tavistock set the tone with a sustained attack right from the kick-off, recycling the ball through several phases before Luke T crossed the line to score. Plymstock hit back working the ball up the field, showing excellent ball retention as the tackles came flying in before the home side eventually crept over for a try. A second Plymstock try followed, but with both sides tackling well, and Tavistock losing the ball in the tackle a few too many times it was the last score of the half.

Both sides started the second half brightly, Max for Tavistock taking a long run down the line only to be caught by the Plymstock defence just short of the try line.

Plymstock gradually worked down the field to score despite strong tackling from Tavistock.

The visitors were magnificent in defence with special mention going to Dylan, Eddie, Ryan, Henry and James for their superb efforts in limiting Plymstock to only two tries in the second half.

For the visitors, a couple of well timed passes freed Luke T to run a great line through the defence and score and, after a period camped on the Plymstock try line, Dylan span out of a last ditch tackle to score Tavistock's third and final try of the game.

Plymstock Oaks U9s 20

Tavistock U9s 40

THE second match was equally exciting.

Eddie opened the scoring for Tavistock, with Plymstock again putting together a sustained period of attacking play to equalise.

Matthew D ran straight through the Plymstock defence in quick succession, scoring both times to make it 15-16 at half time.

In the second half Tavistock's defence was gradually becoming dominant, with the whole team putting in great tackles. Eddie burst through to put Tavistock ahead and then Luke T added another.

Plymstock scored twice to level the game but were having to work hard for their scores and the pressure eventually told as Ryan managed to snaffle a loose ball and run three quarters of the length of the pitch to score for the visitors.

The icing on the cake for the visitors was provided by James who raced towards the Plymstock line arm raised in triumph — and soon after scored another.

Both teams should be congratulated for two great games of entertaining action packed rugby, all the boys showed great determination, commitment and skill.