NORTH TAWTON 14 - TORQUAY ATHLETIC 31

NORTH Tawton travelled to Torquay fresh from the Christmas and New Year holidays in good spirit but too many mince pies showed as they got off to a slow start.

Two silly offside penalties in the space of five minutes were punished with the same result. A catch and drive on the Tawts five-metre line and after 10 minutes - 14-0 down.

North Tawton then tried to get back into the game with some good running interplay with Matt Hurrell and Edd Knight making good progress but again the offload or a knock on going the wrong way for Tawts.

Half-time came and went and it was more of less the same. Torquay getting up to 31-0. With 15 minutes to go North Tawton started to show what they can do. Conor Mathis making his comeback with a bruising run and scoring in the corner. Conversion taken by the skipper - 14-7.

Not long after Tawton are away again. Matt Baker storming up the field with a three-on-one.

In true Matt Baker style he decided to bosh the opposition prop, to great cheers, and offload to Zac Ponsford who scored in the other corner. Conversion taken - 31-14.

In truth Torquay were always in control of the game with possession and territory. However, this North Tawton side never give up but it was a case of too little too late. Their usual strong defence was lacking, allowing the opposition to run and gather up speed.

Next North Tawton host league leaders Truro to Taw Meadows, with a 2.30pm kick off.

James Miller