Devon two

Old Plymouth Mannameadians 5

North Tawton 8

NORTH Tawton travelled to Plymouth for their last league game of the season knowing a win would crown them champions, a losing bonus point would see them go up in second place, or a big loss could mean another year in Devon two.

They were up against an in form OPM side that had won their last five matches, who knew if they lost they would be third and stay in this league, so both teams start with plenty of fire in their bellies.

North Tawton plunged straight in to  the job in hand against a well drilled side that were used to having things their own way but the champions elect were having none of it and they scrapped for every ball.

The visitors put the first points on the board with a well taken penalty from James Bowden for 0-3.

OPM turned up the gas and started asking questions of the North Tawton defence for the next 20 minutes. The defence, though, held firm. Against the run of play North Tawton found themselves up the other end and after a clever passage of play, scored with a try for Conner Mathis, He missed the kick but it was 0-8 to North Tawton.

The Tawton players grew with belief and fought harder for any loose ball and put in some heavy tackles.

OPM began to lose their discipline and a player was sent to the sin bin, but just before half time they struck back with a try; a missed kick took the score to 5-8 at half time. 

The second half got underway with North Tawton playing into the wind and facing a pumped up OPM playing for promotion. A missed penalty from OPM did not do their cause any favours.

The men in amber and black showed the desire – they put in tackle after tackle and although desperate at times, they worked as a team with the prize within their grasp.

Whatever OPM chucked at them they dealt with although their travelling supporters agreed it was a long final 10 minutes.

However, the ref did blew eventually and with neither team scoring in the second half the first half score was the result and North Tawton RFU go back to Devon league one as champions of Bevon two.

Every North Tawton player, all season, has played a part in this great achievement and it is also a fitting reward for the back room staff who put in so much effort off the pitch.

P W D L Pts

North Tawton 14 12 0 2 58

Buckfastleigh 14 12 0 2 57

OPM 14 10 0 4 51

Salcombe 13 5 0 8 25

Plympton Victoria 13 4 0 9 20

Ilfracombe* 13 8 0 5 14

Devonport* 11 0 0 11 -5

St Columbus and Torpoint* 12 1 0 11 -16

* Points deducted