Plymouth Combination

Merit Table

Saltash RFC XV . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Tavistock RFC 2nd XV . . . . . .18

TAVISTOCK started the season in determined style to win a gruelling match in baking temperatures.

Tavistock began the stronger, dominating the early exchanges in the lineout and setting No 8 Andrew Griffiths up for several penetrating runs off the back of the scrum.

With stand-in skipper Marc Ninnis adding an old head and some pace partnering Craig Pascoe ? in his first comeback game after breaking his jaw late last season ? Tavistock were able to put a great deal of pressure on the Saltash defence. They went 6 nil up after two drop goals from full back Mike Rowe following good work from second row Paul Edwards and hooker Chris Johns.

With the heat beginning to sap both teams? strength Tavistock inflicted a crushing blow when a flowing move instigated by fly-half Chris Steer, broke down the Tavi pack recycled and made good yards through Andrew Townsend and blind side Mat Martin, stopped just short. But the resulting put in in the scrum was correctly awarded to Tavi stock and the impressive Griffiths stormed over off the back for the first try of the game.

Saltash came back with a try and penalty to make it 11-8 in Tavistock?s favour as the away team began to wilt in the sunshine.

But spurred on by John Wakem and the energy and pace of open side Dan White Tavistock got second wind and following good supporting play from the Tavistock forwards Edwards smashed through the home defence to offload to Chris Johns for Tavisock?s second try.

Again Saltash came back and replied with a crash ball through the centres.

Some outstanding tackling from winger Simon Beattie was Tavistock?s saviour, and the team?s grit and determination stayed with them allowing them to run out 18 - 15 winners.