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Plymouth Barbarians 14

North Tawton 3

THINGS did not look good for North Tawton when Plymouth Barbarians ran in an early try through their big prop forward, though the conversion was missed. However, they failed to make the most of their size advantage and North Tawton were resolute in protecting their line, their scrum taking on and holding the Barbarians pack in the set pieces.

Sustained pressure led to a penalty for Barbarians for not rolling away from a tackle and their fly half James Hannaford took the three points with a well-struck kick from 30 metres.

A yellow card was shown against a Barbarians player for an illegal tackle. North Tawton responded well with determined running from their centre Chris Martin and wing Mike Symons to gain ground but it was Barbarians who scored again with a drop kick following a good build up. It was significant that they resorted to kicking as they were having no joy running the ball against the Tawton defence.

North Tawton worked their way back into Barbarians territory but could not sustain their attacks. They gained a penalty decision as their pack turned over a Barbarians scrum but the kick to the posts fell just short. Another yellow card was shown, this time against North Tawton for an infringement in a maul. Shortly afterwards Tawton conceded a penalty as the Barbarians pack forced them back and Hannaford skimmed the kick over the bar to give a half time score of 14-0 to the home side.

From the restart Plymouth Barbarians conceded a penalty which North Tawton chose to kick from distance. This attempt fell short but Barbarians conceding another almost immediately. This was in range for David Fewings to convert to put Tawton's on the board.

A driving attack by Barbarians took them almost to the line but North Tawton held out with crunching tackles, including one beauty from scrum half Matt Weekes.

Although Barbarians had the bigger share of possession and territory they could not make it count. The Tawton scrum put in some strong drives and forced the opposition backwards on several set pieces. A rare chance came for Tawton when centre Chris Martin jinked his way into the clear but he was tackled heavily and the move foundered. The two sides had played themselves to a stalemate and the final score remained at 14-3 to Barbarians.

Plymouth Barbarians now lead the league with 13 points; North Tawton is in equal second with New Cross on 10 pts.

n This week North Tawton are at home against Wessex.