NORTH Tawton travelled the long distance down the A30 to Lanner looking for a response to last week’s disappointing loss.

Due to the incorrect Postcode on the opponents website, many players and the travelling faithful were late, resulting in kick off being delayed by 10 minutes.

On arrival to the ground, the pitch was looking in fantastic condition albeit sloping from one end to the other. The home team opting for the slope in the first half but playing against a strong wind, the advantage was somewhat nullified.

The opening exchanges were even between the two sides.

Tawton, using the wind for territory, kicking into Lanners 22 and coming away with a penalty from the trusty boot of captain Gary Sizmur. Lanner responded quickly with a sweeping move around the outside and scoring in the corner. Conversion missed, 5-3.

Tawton didn’t drop their heads and in the space of two minutes were back in front. James Miller getting a penalty from Lanner holding on in the ruck. Kicked by G. Sizmur 5-6.

Another penalty in the Lanner half and due to the wind it was achievable. G Sizmur again kicking the points, 5-9.

Lanner responded well. Using their heavy pack and the slope to punch their way over the line. Conversion taken, 12-9.

Due to injuries and time delays the first half seemed to go on forever. Tawton holding out to half-time knowing they have the slope and gravity on their side to come.

However after a missed penalty by Tawton they found themselves five metres out.

A quick tap penalty by Simon Quick and he thundered his way over, conversion missed 12-14 at the half-time whistle.

North Tawton knew what they had to do.

Keep the discipline and no easy way out for Lanner as the wind will punish you.

However, it’s easier said than done. A knock on from the restart and a high tackle, Lanner kicked the three points, 15-14.

It was starting to become a see-saw type of game but North Tawton produced what has to be their best second half performance since Christmas. Hard running lines, good support in the rucks and sublime passing.

Gary Sizmur ran a try in from his own 22 metre taking the score to 15-19. Conversion almost impossible with the wind. Lanner looked to get back into the game but a series of excellent runs from Zac Ponsford, Mike Young etc and Will Sharp goes over, 15-24.

Lanner know they have to get back into the game and they do with a score of their own, conversion taken, 22-24.

However North Tawton batten down the hatches, their defence back to the way it was in the first half of the season and they really start to enjoy their rugby.

The man again Gary Sizmur scores 22-29. Followed by further scores from Jordan Cornthwaite, it was 22-34 and right at the death Matt Baker, with the conversion taken to make it 22-41.

It was a convincing win in the end for the Tawts and that was the final result.

The players’ fitness and "never give up attitude" resulting in a five point win to lift them up to seventh in the table. Every player had a good game but Gary Sizmur for his excellent kicking is this week’s Man of the Match.

Next North Tawton host Liskeard Looe at home 2.30pm kick off.

James Miller