Tribute Devon One

Wessex 13

North Tawton 0

THIS return fixture was never going to be easy for North Tawton, who lost heavily to Wessex in the home leg earlier this season. With Wessex now topping the league, North Tawton had it all to do, and the strong wind blowing down the Exwick playing fields was going to have a dominating influence on the match.

From the kick-off Wessex went into the attack with the wind behind them. A break from an early scrum 15 metres out was well defended by Tawton's Dave Gibbons on the blind side flank. Soon afterwards Wessex were awarded a penalty within range but the kick was pulled wide. Good use of the wind kept them in Tawton's 22 metre area and a well-controlled drive from a set scrum gave them a push-over try for number eight Sam Adams. The conversion was missed.

North Tawton had a brief foray into Wessex territory from the restart and nearly got a lucky break as David Fewings intercepted a pass, but was adjudged to have knocked on. Wessex regained the advantage and were awarded another penalty from 22 metres; this time the kick by Tom Gwynn was good and they moved into an 8-0 lead.

As the half time whistle approached Wessex had another scrum five metres out and, although Tawton got the ball back, it was fumbled over the line and Wessex's scrumhalf Dan Morris got the touchdown. Again the conversion was missed leaving the score at 13-0.

Heroic defence by North Tawton, with notable tackling by Bill Sharp and James Miller, kept Wessex at bay and a good drive by the Tawton pack to drive Wessex off their own ball at a crucial scrum left the score unchanged at the break.

Early in the second half North Tawton survived two close calls as the strong Wessex pack tried to reassert their advantage. Then, having adjusted to the effects of the wind Tawton gained ground and began to dominate the territory. A fumble at the back of a Wessex scrum gave Tawton a scrum on five metres and a well-controlled drive had Wessex going backwards and their pack collapsed. The penalty scrum was chosen by Tawton, and number eight Steve King was held up as he went for the line.

North Tawton pinned Wessex in their own half for an extended period of time, their pack showing great character and control, but they were not able to penetrate the defence. A late surge by Wessex almost brought them another score, but Tawton held out resolutely. The result leaves the Devon One league with Wessex still on top and North Tawton slipping to fifth. After the match Tawton's players got the chance to watch Exeter Chiefs play Bourguoin in the Amlin Cup at Sandy Park. The club would like to thank Exeter for the tickets, and team sponsors BVS/Sarah's Car Hire for use of the mini bus.