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North Tawton 5

Tiverton seconds 17

THE rain managed to hold off for this evenly matched game. Tiverton started strong from the kick off but North Tawton fought well with their forwards winning back the ball; however their handling errors and pressure from Tiverton caused a disappointing kick to touch.

North Tawton despite this fought back from Tiverton's line-out putting them under pressure and certainly proved the stronger team in the scrums.

Tiverton remained strong in attack but when put under pressure would kick the ball which was neatly caught every time by fullback Bill Sharp. With his strong running and stepping he gained distance breaking through Tiverton's defence. However, the lack of support and the weak rucking gave possession back to Tiverton who from this then managed to score two converted tries ending in 14-0 at half time.

North Tawton certainly became stronger in the second half with strong running from forwards James Henshaw and Captain Steve King though their lack of fitness caused a few penalty give-aways which resulted in a further three points to Tiverton's score. North Tawton despite this kept putting Tiverton under pressure resulting in a try by Gareth Williams through determination and a strong drive from the forwards. Tiverton remained under pressure from North Tawton with their strong pack and Keith Jones playing at scrum-half.

At full-time the score remained 17-5, and despite losing, it was a good first match from North Tawton playing against a team which had already played twice this season.

With more training and games they could certainly prove a strong opposition in their league.