Devon one

North Tawton 8

Tamar Saracens 10

NORTH Tawton did not fire on all cylinders and slipped to a rare home defeat to a dogged Tamar side who knew how to close out a game when they needed to do so.

Right from the first whistle North Tawton knew it was going to be a hard day at the office with some big tackles going in, both sides scrapping for every metre and every loose ball.

For the first 20 minutes neither side enjoyed the upper hand before the first points of the match coming from the boots of James Bowden in the shape of a penalty to the home side for 3-0.

At this point any North Tawton supporter hoped that their side would start to go through the gears and take charge but it just would not flow for them — a dropped pass, a bad kick, some good hard tackling — all went against them and added to the confidence of an away side.

It was not long before Tamar Saracens scored a penalty to level the scores at 3-3. The passion in the game spilled over the line at times and a few words of calming for both sides was required from the referee who issued two yellow cards — one for each team.

North Tawton were struggling at the 30 minute mark and defending their own lines against a Saracens’ side which had their tails up and who, just before half time, were rewarded with a try and conversion to go in front 3-10 at the break.

With the home side having a strong bench when the second half got underway the coach decided to bring on these fresh players and it was not long before there were glimpses of a quicker attacking game by North Tawton. Some good attacking line play by Conner Mathis  and Si Quick, quicker ball from Jack Phare and there was renewed hope in the camp. After a sustained  period of attacking play a delightful chip kick from the scrum half enabled Matt Baker to run on and dot down for a much needed try. With a missed conversion it was now 8-10 in Saracens’ favour.

In the last quarter of the match while North Tawton went to up the tempo, the Saracens were more than happy to running the clock down.

As much as they tried the home side could not find any space to run and when the whistle did come to end the game North Tawton were still on somewhat the back foot. As the season moves along North Tawton will beat better teams than Tamar Saracens side but full credit should go to a good hard rugby playing side who gave their all and came out deserved winners.