Tribute Devon One league

North Tawton 16

Plymouth

Barbarians 16

EARLY pressure by Plymouth Barbarians was relieved by a break out by North Tawton's Tom Chisholm and Bill Sharp, taking the play well into the Barbarian's half.

Tawton then gained a penalty from a ruck and David Fewings skimmed the ball over the crossbar to open the scoring for the home side. Within minutes the Barbarians side had struck back with a penalty of their own, kicked by fly half Scott Sheldon, to even the scores.

A good scrum by Barbarians drove the Tawton pack back but thanks to desperate and resolute defence by the home side the Barbarians had to make do with another penalty by Sheldon when a bigger score looked likely.

North Tawton went onto the offensive with a good run by left wing Rob Stepto, taking them back into Barbarians territory. This gain was soon reversed by a charge from Barbarians big tight-head prop, and a good take and drive by their lineout took them close to the Tawton line again. The big pack was having its effect and Tawton were lucky not to concede a try when the referee judged that the scorer had run into his own player as he crossed the line. The score remained at 6-3 to Barbarians at the break.

North Tawton started the second half well, but Barbarians absorbed the pressure and were soon back on Tawton's 10 metre line. A penalty against Tawton led to a 'tap and go' move and the Barbarian's number eight charged over the line, but was held up.

From the scrum the number eight again charged the line only to be well tackled by Tawton's blind side flanker Joah Madden. From the ensuing maul Barbarians went over for a try by Arron Anderson-Smith to make it 13-3 to the visitors.

The next two scores went to North Tawton as they rallied well. A long range penalty was awarded to Tawton which was well struck by David Fewings. Soon after that flanker Will Hawking broke through and set up a play which opened a gap for number eight Steve King to drive over; this was converted by Fewings to bring the scores level.

The final phase saw both sides going all out for the win. An attack by Tawton and a neat tap penalty by Chisholm nearly gave King a second try. As it was they gained a penalty for Fewings to edge them into the lead. Within minutes Barbarians struck back with a penalty by Sheldon. The result 16-16 was a fair reflexion of the game. It moves North Tawton into fourth place in the league

* North Tawton are holding their 125th anniversary dinner on April 30 and invite any past members to contact Sarah on 01837 82704 or Helen on 01837 82869 for details and tickets.