Crediton Seconds 5 - North Tawton 34

I AM not sure what it was that really bought it home to me how much we all missed our weekly fix of live rugby.

It could be any number of things, the anticipation of a good game, the ability to enjoy a beer or two after the match, being with like-minded people or just being there taking it all in.

One thing for certain, never again should we take it for granted.

The game itself was a pre-season friendly, both sides taking the opportunity to blow off the cobwebs of an 18 month layoff.

While it was pleasing for North Tawton to come away with the bragging rites, the score almost didn’t matter, the fact was we played rugby.

Three 25-minute sections and rolling subs was agreed to give everyone a run out.

Right from the get go it was North Tawton taking the attack to the home side.

A delightful chip over the on coming defence from the Tawts scrum half Jack Davey was well picked up by captain for the day Matt Baker.

The conversion was added by stand in for number 10 Jack Phare.

We then set the trend for large periods of the match.

A missed penalty by North Tawton was soon forgotten with a second try, this time scored by the winger Art Taylor.

A conversion that hit the upright took the score to 12-0 to the visitors.

Try as they did, Crediton were finding it difficult to get any ball, with some good quick passing running rugby from North Tawton making it very hard for them to build on any phases.

While North Tawton seemed to be content to change players as and when, giving everybody a chance to get involved, Crediton went for a mass change in the second period.

This did not stop Matt  Baker going over for his second try, another off the post conversion miss takes the score to 17-0.

It’s fair to say at this point that the Tawts were well in charge and with Will Lethbridge showing his turn of speed with ball in-hand two more quick tries added took the score to 29-0.

It was looking like North Tawton could nil the Seconds.

Another try, this time by Jake Chisham, and we got to 34-0.

To be fair the Crediton Seconds never gave up and in the last minutes of the game got their only points of the match with a try, a miss kick giving us the final score of 5-34.

As I’ve already said the score was almost incidental in this friendly played in good spirit but with some new faces blending in with the old guard in the North Tawton team it has to be said the faithful can hopefully look forward to a good season.

Man of the Match was Will Lethbridge, class act.

Chris Phare