NORTH TAWTON 46 - NEWTON ABBOT SECONDS 12

AFTER last week’s hard fought away win the North Tawton team were looking for an easier time against bottom of the league Newton Abbot.

While the scoreboard does not lie I think in fairness, the youthful-looking team from Newton Abbot were a lot better than the points difference and made the Tawts work hard for every point, giving the Tawton defence a good work out.

For a change, North Tawton hit their straps right from the start and with tries from Ryan Gross and Aiden Jeffrey acting as a good nerve settler, early doors its 10-0.

The wind not helping the kicker, a wind I might add that was blowing at the home side’s back and was bitter to say the least.

It was such a concern at the time that many thought it a must that the Tawts build a good lead before it was their turn to face the wind.

North Tawton go down to 14 men, a yellow card for a high tackle when repelling another strong attack from the visitors who did look a lot better in attack than defence.

While down in numbers, Tawton kept the score ticking over, a try by Arcie Taylor and the conversion by Ryan Gross takes us to 17-0.

This is soon followed by a try from Luke Littler, 22-0.

The game seems to be safe but both sides were still fighting for every metre of grass.

Second half got underway and Tawton make light of the prevailing wind and soon add to their growing number of tries, a try from Elliot Deeks, 27-0.

Newton Abbot finally get their first try, 27-5, and then another Tawton try, almost immediately this time from a Dave Bourne conversion, 34-5.

A yellow card for Newton Abbot does them no favours and they give up yet another try, Cam Rickerby getting a well-deserved try for his efforts plus kick, 41-5.

The result not in doubt but both teams still giving their all, Aiden Dunster not to be left out, getting the Tawts eighth and their final try of the match, 46-5.

As if to have the final word Newton Abbot get their second try, giving us a final score of 46-12.

All in all another solid showing from North Tawton who, when playing as they aspire, are a match for anybody in this league.

Chris Phare