NORTH TAWTON 52

TAVISTOCK 5

A WEEK off from league rugby saw a North Tawton Fifteen travel south to Sandy Park to play Tavistock Seconds in a friendly fixture.

With the rain holding off and the surface firm, nine tries were scored in a fast free-flowing game between sides preparing for big league games the following week.

North Tawton struck within the first five minutes as their continuity in attack saw Matt Baker finish off a solid team try.

This spurred further tries in quick succession for Jack Phare and Alex Dennis as Tavistock struggled to combat the expansive style demonstrated by the Tawts.

Tavistock were bolstered by a number of late arrivals and halted proceedings as they managed to level possession stats temporarily. However, turn over ball was utilised by the Mid-Devonians as Jabby Fewings found himself on the end of a counter attack late in the first half.

Moments before the half-time whistle, official Robin Burfield was forced to send David Milligan and Matt Baker to the sin bin for a spout of handbags and both teams were reduced to 14 men.

The second half saw a regenerated Tavistock return to the field, from the kick off. Cousins, Ryan and Tom Friend, found the opportunity to put the hit of the day in on former ally turned foe Hammy Kerswill, recovering possession for their team.

Tavistock had a change of game plan keeping the ball in tight with Friend and the returning Simon Wallace playing his first game in three years particularly prominent.

North Tawton however, did continue to keep the score board ticking over as captain for the day, Matty Dennis, his brother Luke and the treacherous Dave Gibbs added a five pointer each for their side.

The game did see a number of players making returns to the sport and debuts for their respective sides – Ben Phillips capped off a fine game for North Tawton with a number of penetrating carries and Pete Smith busied himself tirelessly all game.

It was Smith's initial carry that saw Alex Dennis break free and release Pete Wonnacott lost on the wing to score one of the great prop tries.

It was Tavistock who finished off proceedings as a string of phases from the forwards saw them enter deep into Tawton territory.

A slack soccer pass back saw Will Slater pounce on the ball to score a consolation try for the Moorlanders.

Tomorrow, Saturday, March 7, North Tawton travel to third placed Salcombe looking to guarantee their promotion hopes and Tavistock Seconds welcome Honiton Seconds to Sandy Park.

MK