Tribute Devon One

Old Plymothians and Mannamedians 25

North Tawton 18

NORTH Tawton kicked off into a strong headwind and made some ground only to be driven back by a long clearance kick by OPMs. They conceded two penalties, the second for offside at a line out, and OPM's fly half converted the kick from 40 metres to take the first three points. North Tawton set up a good passing move but were again penalised and OPMs were able to clear. This set the pattern for much of the rest of the half, Tawton giving away too many penalties and paying for it as the strong wind had an inordinate effect on the game.

OPMs almost went through for a try after a good drive by the forwards but knocked the ball on in the last metre. They finally got the try off the back of a scrum as their scrum half slipped through on an inside break; the conversion was kicked to take them 10 points ahead. They led 20-nil as the half came to its close, but North Tawton had the last say when a penalty goal attempt by Rob North was held up in the wind and centre Chris Martin sprinted up to claim the loose ball and go through for a try. The conversion fell victim to the wind and the half time score was left at 20-5 to OPMs.

With the advantage of the wind in the second half Rob North kicked North Tawton back into the match with two penalties, taking Tawton's score to 11. A third attempt from near the half way line fell short but was worth the effort with the strength of the wind behind it. An injury to Chris Martin brought on sub Dave Gibbs for his league debut for North Tawton and flanker Mike Young moved out to the centre. Tawton were settled in the OPM half but could not make the territorial advantage count. A good Tawton set scrum turned the OPM pack and scrum half Matt Weekes broke away but had no support and OPMs were able to clear. Strong running by Tawton's centre Jack gave their forwards a target but OPMs broke back and infringements by Tawton close to their line led to another try for the home side from close in. The conversion was again a casualty of the wind, and the score sat at 25-11 to OPMs.

In the closing period North Tawton set up a sustained attack in the OPM half, even though they were one man short due to a yellow card. Things were evened up when OPMs were also yellow-carded in the final minutes. This gave Tawton the opportunity and an excellent scrum on the OPM five metre line was driven over for number eight Steve King to ground the ball. The conversion by Rob North took North Tawton within one full score of the OPM total and they came away with a somewhat fortuitous bonus point in a match where they had not looked at all comfortable.

Next week North Tawton have no match and are occupied with their annual Bonfire Night and Fireworks at Taw Meadows.