Tavistock 31 : Exmouth 6
Although the final score suggests an easy win, Tavistock had to work hard to break down a well organised and resilient Exmouth.
Tavistock played up the slope in the first half and took the game to
Exmouth from the start. However, despite dominating possession, the
home team struggled to put together many controlled phases of play and
also suffered from a high penalty count against them. Lock Lee Easton
scored the first try after 24 minutes, on the end of some good driving
approach play from the forwards. Credicott converted but the visitors
scored a penalty either side of this try and as halftime approached
Tavistock led by a single point. Just before the break, the Tavistock
pack drove over from a 5 metre scrum, with number eight, Pete Davis
getting the touchdown.
Tavistock continued to have the majority of possession throughout the
second half and the pacy Exmouth side made the mistake of trying to
take on the Tavistock forwards, without success. The home team scored
three further tries in this half. The first after a good lineout catch
and drive, with scrumhalf Lee Greatrex then switching the ball out to
the backs for centre Matt Witcher to cut a good line through the
defence. Shortly after, another backs move, following a lineout and
centre Jon Bellamy made a fine run and offloaded the scoring pass to
hooker Will Tomkins up in support and, after winger Nick Lane had made
an incisive run, replacement flanker, Simon Parisio burst through the
Exmouth defence for the final try. Replacement fullback, Rob Milligan
converted two of the tries, bringing the final score to 31 - 6.
Colt, Jake Luffman gave an assured display at flyhalf and formed a good
halfback partnership with Lee Greatrex, who was at his sharpest. The
game was well controlled by young referee, Jon Chilcott. The victory
keeps Tavistock in second place in their Merit League.
Next week, they travel to Kingsbridge, to take on the league leaders, kick off 2.30pm