Devon two

North Tawton 75

Buckfastleigh 0

THIS fixture saw North Tawton enter the half way stage of the league season top of the table and boasting a record of played seven, won seven.

This fixture was very much one of two halves; the first demonstrating Tawton's defiant defence against not only Buckfastleigh but the 'Everest' slope in front of them and the second showing off the attacking flair that saw the majority of their 13 tries being scored.

The game started with the Ramblers exerting pressure on North Tawton and having the first shot at goal, only to see it drop agonisingly short. This was all it took to wake up the home side as an immediate turnover from veteran David Gibson saw Jordan Cornthwaite finish off a well worked try in the corner. Alex Dennis converted from the touch line.

The remainder of the half saw three more tries — one a piece from Alex Dennis, skipper Will Letherbridge and Jordan Cornthwaite. Credit went to the pack and in particular the front five – two of said tries came from turnover scrums to give a half time score of 24-0 to North Tawton.

The second half looked to be a gentle stroll as North Tawton enjoyed 80% possession and recorded a further nine tries. It took only three minutes of the half for Ben Sharp to continue his good form, finishing off an excellent counter attack led initially by Dan Dennis. He popped up again six minutes later to complete his brace in similar fashion.

It was at this point that North Tawton hit flight mode as each and every kick off Simon Quick and Tom Phillips caught and fed the ball out and away from the rambling defence for the backs to break the line and set one another up in one of the season's most clinical displays of attacking rugby. Other scorers included Matt Dennis and Alfie May.