Devon one

Old Technicians 24

North Tawton 34

AFTER a three week lay off for the festivities North Tawton were looking forward to the challenge that was an away trip to Plymouth in the shape of the Old Techs.

The final score brought them nothing more than they deserved but it was not always easy nor pretty, however North Tawton got the job done with the bonus point secured by half time and a 10 point win not really reflecting the difference between the two sides. As the game went on the away side fell foul of getting on the wrong side of the referee and number of penalties gave the home side a platform to play off with three second half tries keeping the scoreboard tighter than what it might have been.

The game was all but won in the first 20 minutes after being pinned in their own half for much of this time the three visits that North Tawton did make into the Old Techs red zone resulted in three tries - the product of some good handling skills and inter play and the running rugby style that we are coming to expect from this North Tawton side. Jake Ayris scored the first try quickly for North Tawton followed by Matt Baker and Craig Dennis all in a 20 minute period which took the wind out of the home team’s sails.

The Old Techs, to their credit, did not roll over and a well worked try of their own gave them their first points, for 5-19 in North Tawton’s favour.

As if to have the last word on the half North Tawton, in the shape of Gary Sizmur, added another try just before the whistle – a missed conversion saw a half time score of 5-24 in the visitors’ favour.

The second half started and to the frustration of the Old Techs whatever they did North Tawton seem to have the answers. A try from Si Cox within a few minutes of the restart did not help the home team’s cause at 5-29 with the game slipping away from them.

In the final 20 minutes North Tawton went down to 14 men for a yellow card. Old Techs took advantage and went over for their second try with the kick for 12-29. North Tawton’s man of the match Gary Sizmur then scored his second and the visitors’ sixth for 12-34.

Two late tries by the Old Techs give a final score of 24 34.