Tribute Devon One League

OPM 13

NORTH TAWTON 24

AFTER the first quarter-of-an-hour of this postponed league fixture the prospect of a win for North Tawton seemed remote, let alone the try bonus point win which resulted.

Early pressure from Old Plymouthians and Mannamedians (OPM) had Tawton pinned back in their own half as the bigger home scrum attempted to exert some dominance over proceedings.

North Tawton’s own pack fronted up magnificently and more than held their own in the set plays, notably through the efforts of open-side flanker Dave Gibbs.

It took about half-an-hour for the deadlock to be broken by a try from Tawton full-back Will Lethbridge, finishing off some slick handling by Alex Dennis and Luke Dennis which left the OPM’s defence in disarray.

As half-time approached Tawton had to reorganise their scrum when second row Aaron Inglis went off with an injured arm and versatile winger Ben Sharp joined the scrum.

The score at the break stood at 5-0 to North Tawton.

The start of the second period was a replay of the first with OPMs camped in Tawton’s half.

Credit to the Tawton pack for again resisting the pressure thanks to their front row of Dan Quinn, Matt Baker and chairman Richard Gould anchoring it all in the loose head berth.

North Tawton conceded a penalty, the kick struck from 18 metres by OPM’s centre to put them on the score sheet.

Tawton responded well two minutes later with another try for Lethbridge, coming into the line at pace to finish off a good three-quarter move, cutting open the OPM defence and taking the score to 10-3 to Tawton.

OPMs gained another penalty kick to the sticks, this one converted from 25 metres to bring them within four points.

As the match entered the last 10 minutes Tawton conjured another try when Lethbridge broke from deep in his own half and, with a sleight-of-hand pass, put his centre Jake Ayris away for his first score of the day as he cut back inside to score under the posts.

Alex Dennis converted to stretch the lead to 17-6. OPMs responded with a try of their own scored by Matthew Naylor; the conversion brought them back to four points adrift with about four minutes left.

North Tawton saved the best until last with their final try coming in the 80th minute from an OPM’s scrum deep in Tawton’s half.

The Tawton pack turned the scrum over and No 8 Simon Quick moved the ball away to set up a sweeping move by the three quarters.

Alex Dennis broke the line and fed the ball back inside to Luke Dennis to complete the move with the touch down; Alex converted to give a final score of 24-13 to North Tawton.

This result leaves North Tawton in fifth place in the league, seven points adrift of leaders Wessex.

Tomorrow, Saturday, March 19, they are away to South Molton. GK