Tavistock 49 : Teignmouth 0
Despite a number of enforced team changes, Tavistock proved too strong
for Teignmouth at Sandy Park in this Merit League clash.
The home team went straight on to the offensive from the kick off and
the visitors conceded a penalty in front of their posts after just 6
minutes.Martin Credicott kicked the 3 points. Prop Matt Martin secured
the restart kick and after a drive from the forwards, the ball was
switched to the backs and winger Ben Neale dotted the first try down.
The home side continued to ask all the questions, although Teignmouth
defended stoutly, until, after a fine run from centre Haydon Biddle,
scrum half, Lee Greatrex, making his first appearence for some time,
was on hand to take the scoring pass. Shortly after, Tavistock won a
scrum near the Teignmouth line and lock Lee Easton forced his way over
from close range. A further two minutes and number 8, Andrew Griffiths
was up in support of more forward pressure and fell over the line for
the fourth try. Just before halftime, a swift attack from the home
backs found hooker Phil Allen lurking wide out on the right wing and he
showed a clean pair of heels to the covering defenders and scored a
fine try under the posts. Credicott converted the last two tries to
bring the score to 32 - 0 at half time.
Tavistock made several substitutions for the second half. Sadly one of
the subs, Mark Hennessey, suffered a knee injury soon after coming on
and was forced to retire. Tavistock dominated all areas of the game
throughout the second half, but credit must be given to the visitors,
who continued to defend stubbornly and restricted Tavistock to 3
further tries, one of which Credicott converted. Experienced flanker,
Tom Dawe, who came on for the second half, scored two of the tries,
both from typical breaks from driving mauls. The other score was a
second try from the excellent Lee Greatrex. Lee was replaced for the
last 15 minutes by veteran Stan Staniland.
Flanker Tom Charlesworth and centres Haydon Biddle and Seb Roberts all
put in solid performances and fullback Ian Gray had another good all
round game.
This win keeps Tavistock in third place in the Merit League and next
Saturday sees them at home to second placed Exeter Saracens, kick off
2.30 pm.