NORTH Tawton went into this game with a cautious approach as it was the University of Exeter’s first game and the hosts never quite knew what to expect.

The university bought a good, fit skilful team with them that tested North Tawton for the whole 90 minutes.

The break for the home side came after 15 minutes when Ryan Dunster skipped through the away defence, before the ball bounced around and caught his shin, sending it into the top corner.

Macron Devon and Exeter four

North Tawton 2

University of Exeter 1

When Darren Gilbert was brought down by an away defender in the penalty box, Jamie Atherton stepped up to slot away another penalty and give North Tawton a 2-0 lead. However, this led to the onslaught of attacks from the university team through their wingers, who were by far the best players North Tawton have faced this season, but last ditch defending from everyone kept the visitors at bay.

Early into the second half a horrible deflection let the university side in to slot the ball home to make it 2-1 and a nervous 30 minutes remained for the home side.

North Tawton held strong and defended to the end; a good save ten minutes from the end from the university goalkeeper stopped North Tawton extending the lead.

The man of the match was Lee Gilbert.