Devon 1 League

North Tawton 0

Salcombe 15

THIS was a much improved performance by North Tawton against typically tough opposition from Salcombe.

The return of Pete Wonnacott at loose head gave the scrum a solid foundation which showed in the way Tawton started to dominate the set scrums during the first half. Good counter-rucking by Tawton led to a penalty against Salcombe in range for a kick, but the attempt dropped short.

North Tawton absorbed everything Salcombe could throw at them and a good break by Tom Davis was called back for a forward pass.

Another chance came as fly half Chris Martin chipped over the opposition and collected his own kick. The option to kick again might not have been the best choice with players waiting outside, and the attack petered out. Salcombe had their opportunity to score from a penalty kick on Tawton's 22 metre line, but that also failed to carry and the half time whistle came with the match scoreless.

Salcombe attacked strongly in the second half but good defence by Tawton prevented any penetration and Salcombe had to make do with a drop goal from fly half Chris Drew to open the scoring.

North Tawton responded well with a break out of loose play by centre Gareth Williams making ground. Another attacking move by the home side saw Graham Sage feed a neat pass to Will Lethbridge who almost made it all the way but was tackled close to the line.

The next score came from a mix-up at a defensive line out for North Tawton which led to a maul from which Salcombe's number eight Stuart Windsor broke away and forced himself over the line for a try. The conversion was missed leaving Salcombe with an 8-0 lead.

Shortly afterwards Salcombe squandered another three points when a penalty kick, given for Tawton going over the top in a maul, bounced off the post.

This let Tawton back into the game and they had a good spell with the back row of Rob McBain, Steve King and Mike Young outstanding in attack and defence, but they were unable to register a score.

A passing move by Salcombe close to Tawton's try line finally left a gap for left wing Ollie Masters to squeeze in, and the conversion by Drew gave Salcombe the win by a slightly flattering 15-0.

North Tawton coach Danny North was pleased with the spirited performance compared with last week and with no league fixture next week a full squad training session will be held at Taw Meadows instead. All players should attend.

l North Tawton's Tom Davis takes the ball into contact against Salcombe with support on hand from Dan Quinn, Joe Madden and Rob McBain.

Picture by Pete Hoggins