NORTH TAWTON 26 - HONITON 36

NORTH Tawton RFC played the second of their pre-season friendlies against Honiton who are playing their rugby in the league above the one the Tawts are about to embark in this season.

As expected this proved to be a stern test for the home side and despite the score line showing a 10-point loss, North Tawton can feel more than satisfied with their afternoon’s work.

The game was played at a fast pace and the home team showed they are more than capable of mixing it with whoever they are facing this season.  The Tawts fought their way back from 7-26 down to finish the match 26-36, putting real pressure on a very well-drilled Honiton team.

It has to be said Honiton played and won at Twickenham to close out last season.

It also has to be noted, albeit for an intercepted pass when in full attack mode, the scoreline could give a better reflection of how evenly matched the two sides were.

A loose pass going astray resulted in a run in for the away side.  Two tries with the conversions gave Honiton an early 14-0 lead but a clever jinking run by Kev Dennis plus the kick got North Tawton’s side of the scoreboard ticking 7-14.

A couple more tries either side of half-time gave us the 7-26 margin that did look a bit worrying for the home supporters.

This Tawton team was never going to chuck the towel in and back they came with the next two tries of the match, the score now 19-26 on the hour mark.

It was a friendly so we stopped for drinks, changed a few players around and went again for another 20 minutes.

Honiton scored first in the last period, making it 19-31.

As I said the Tawts wouldn’t lie down and added another try to their tally, 26-31.

Honiton had the last say with the final score of the match, 26-36, making it a good work out for both sides.

Next week the season gets down to the real stuff with a home league game against Tavistock.

If the Tawts are going to make an impact in this higher division they have got to win their home games.

From what we have seen in the warm up games the Tawts are more than capable.

The new season brings new hopes and aims and thankfully some new sponsors.

This year the Tawts Man of the Match is being sponsored by the Beer Engine in Newton St Cyres, which is providing some meal for two vouchers for the players to enjoy.

Chris Phare