Friendly

North Tawton 12

NORTH Tawton opened their season at home against Crediton seconds with a trial match.

Crediton took the lead and North Tawton were in defence most of the first half. Making changes at half time saw a change round in fortune as away tries came from Cameron Rickerby and Jamie Stevens, who also converted.

The senior team is playing in Tribute Devon two league this season. This will again involve teams from Plymouth, Dartmouth, Torrington and Buckfastleigh as well as some non-league fixtures against Bideford and Crediton. Coaching for forwards and backs is taking place on Tuesday evenings in preparation for the new season's challenges.

The ladies' team play in the South West (South) section of National Challenge two division. They have again won their league last season, their fourth season in a row.

This season's opposition will include Bideford, Penryn, Plymouth Albion Oaks, Paignton and Dorchester so they will again have some long journeys to contend with.

Last season's Devon ladies' squad contained five North Tawton players, a credit to their ability and commitment. In addition Clara Nielson was selected for the England U20 squad. Full coaching is provided at the club on Tuesdays at 7 pm; matches are played on Sunday afternoons. New players are welcome; the minimum age is 17.

For contacts at the club see its website at http://www.northtawtonrfc.co.uk">www.northtawtonrfc.co.uk

North Petherton

Ladies 0

North Tawton Ladies 4

NORTH Tawton ladies took a trip up the M5 on Saturday September for a pre-season friendly versus the new ladies team at North Petherton.

With the North Petherton pitch still rock hard the game started tentatively, however North Tawton soon got into their stride as Lottie Trerise broke through the Petherton line to score the first try, which Clara Nielson duly converted.

North Tawton have lost some players this season to university and retirement, however a couple of players have returned notably second row Sally Drew and Charlotte Fewings at scrum half.

The teams were evenly matched through the forwards but the cutting edge of fly half Lottie and full back Hayley Hopkins leaving the score 34-0 to North Tawton at the break.

During the second half Petherton Ladies increased in confidence, leaving less room for the North Tawton backs, with only two tries scored in the second half.

The North Tawton tries came from Hayley, Lottie, Tasha Currie and Clara Nielson, conversions from Clara Nielson and Jo McBain.

This friendly match was played in great spirit.