NORTH TAWTON A 15

BIDFORD THIRDS 5

ONCE again the Centenary pitch beside the River Taw proved to be one of the few playable surfaces around last Saturday although by the end of the match it resembled a quagmire in parts.

Considering the conditions it turned out to be a remarkably good match, both sides adapting well to put on a good display of rugby for the few hardy folk assembled in the wind and rain to spectate.

About 10 minutes into the match Tawton’s fly-half Joe Bruce broke through the mid-field, splitting Bideford’s line to run in a good try; it was not converted.

There followed a period when both sides were evenly matched and the scrums churned their way through the mud.

As half-time approached Bideford’s Brad Shaw evened the scoreline with a try for the visitors leaving the score at 5-5 at the break.

Soon after the restart the weather closed in with squally, driving rain forcing the spectators to seek what shelter they could. It made no difference on the pitch however with both sides fully committed to the match, and only one ball ending up in the Taw, in spate and on its way to Barnstaple!

At about 20 minutes into the second half Tawton’s hooker Matt Baker took advantage of some good set-up play to scoop up a loose ball close to Bideford’s line and score the try; the conversion was declined due to the conditions.

Into the final minute and Bideford were pressing hard for the draw. North Tawton’s defence held out and they secured the ball which was shipped to winger Kieron Lee on the edge of Tawton’s 22 metres line.

He sprinted the length of the field, breaking the defending tackles, to score the final try and give North Tawton the win at 15-5.

The match took place against all the odds and was refereed sympathetically so that both teams could enjoy the benefits of grass roots rugby, quite literally.

The A team are due in action again on January 23 at home against Exeter Saracens.

GK