North Tawton ladies 38
Cullompton ladies 5
AFTER a further four games cancelled by opposition, North Tawton kicked off at Cullompton on a hot sunny day ideal for supporters, but certain to test the players' strengths and determination.
They started brightly with Hayley Hopkins scoring the first try with her powerful running from the half way line within minutes. Although unable to add extra points to the scoreboard with a missed conversion, this did not discourage the Tawton ladies as they kept pushing — running, rucking and mauling hard and superb tackling — in particular from Jo McBain and Hayley Hopkins.
Cullompton attempted to counter-attack with a run from their centre and, despite the chase and hard tackle from Hayley Hopkins, succeeded in grounding the ball for a try and make it 24-5 at half time.
The second half showed that the heat was starting to affect Tawton, who made more mistakes, but their perseverance paid off in the end.
With the lines of running from their forwards Dawn Avery, Clare Hooper and Sam Eggins, two further tries and conversions sealed victory and secured their position as league winners second year running.