NORTH Tawton finished their home fixtures with a very hard-fought win over a well-drilled Tiverton side, who sit in second place.

Both sides took to the field full of confidence, North Tawton hoping to continue their winning run in their last three games and Tiverton because they don't often get beaten this season, hence their lofty league position.

For a change from past matches North Tawton took an early lead with a well-struck penalty from Dave Bourne, 3-0.

The next score was a well run in try by Tiverton, whose fast running backs broke the Tawton defence to take a 3-5 lead.

A good crowd of spectators saw North Tawton triumph against Tiverton.
A good crowd of spectators saw North Tawton triumph against Tiverton. (NTRFC)

Both sides were well matched and it’s going to be cat and mouse all game with some of the slick moves from the visitors giving the home defence problems all game.

North Tawton score another welcome penalty to re-take the lead, its 6-5 at half time.

The referee makes a point of having words of advice to the Tiverton team in the break, who were not slow in voicing their opinions in the way he was controlling the game. The second half gets underway with the most productive period for North Tawton who run in two tries one each for Luke Jenkins and Elliot Cotten Deeks with one conversion gets us to 18-5.

While the score board paints its own picture its not all fully under control for the Tawts, they really have to keep their wits about them with the visitors looking to strike back at every opportunity.

Tiverton get their reward after some sustained attacks with a second try kick added taking us to 18-12 and getting a bit squeaky.

Now we have got a game on and race to the whistle. North Tawton eases the pressure with a well-worked try by James Miller giving the home supporters a bit of relief, missed kick, 23-12.

North Tawton talk about their success beating second in league Tiverton.
North Tawton talk about their success beating second in league Tiverton. (NTRFC)

How long ref, how long, was the question on all the Tawton faithful's lips and just to add more pressure Tiverton go over for their third try, with the kick added its 23-19.

Any mistake and that could be it, North Tawton defending like their lives depended on it, trying to get out of their own half, Tiverton really going for it knowing that a try would snatch a win.

At last the final whistle blows and North Tawton can celebrate a win that maybe some didn’t see coming at the start of the afternoon. It was a great game to watch if somewhat a little nervy at times played in good spirits, a credit to both clubs!

Last game of the season in two weeks with an away fixture to Exeter Engineers!

Chris Phare