Devon two

North Tawton 22

Buckfastleigh 5

NORTH Tawton welcomed a much improved Buckfastleigh side to Taw Meadow in this penultimate league and home fixture of the season.

The game started in an even fashion, with both sides sharing possession of the ball but neither stringing together enough consecutive phases to look dangerous. The Ramblers' early notable improvement was that of the set piece where they imposed themselves on the front foot in the numerous scrums throughout the game. With the wind picking up, conditions did prove difficult for both sides.

The game came to life on the 15 minute mark as an altercation saw a sin bin to either side — with Michael Young leaving the field for Tawton. This opened the game up and on the half hour a loose ball was gathered by Matt Dennis, who released Hammy Kerswill on the wing only to have knocked the ball on over the line. However, the resultant scrum saw turnover ball chipped through the Buckfast defence for Luke Dennis to open the account for North Tawton.

Both sides were guilty of trying to score off first phase possession. However, Jake Ayris finished off an 80 metre effort after plucking an opposition kick on his way to completing a solo effort.

Half time closed in with North Tawton 10-0 up.

The second half saw the home side play against the strong breeze but came out firing as Alex Dennis bundled his way over the line on the 45 minute mark, converting his own score.

The introduction of Tom Phillips was a potential game changer at set piece as he dominated proceedings, allowing North Tawton to attack off the front foot at every interval. From this earned dominance Simon Quick was able to release the returning Craig Dennis out wide for the bonus point score.

With the five points in the bag, credit must go to the Ramblers who never gave up and impeded the North Tawton half for the remainder of the game, earning themselves a score shortly after Alex Dennis was given his marching orders for a foul short of the line.