Lockie Cup

Saltash RFC 17

Tavistock RFC 15

A WET and cold day at Saltash saw both teams start with obvious intent, both very much up for the win.

Saltash were first to score with a try for their fly half Dan Gleebits. Their forward drove into the corner of Tavistock territory, committed the men and created the overlap.

Tavistock responded by putting Saltash under pressure in their half, forcing the penalty, converted by Bridgewater. Further good pressure from Tavistock and an excellent kick by Mike Liddon into the corner created the second scoring opportunity for Sean Buttle who picked up the lose ball in front of the Saltash posts and scrambled in for the try. It was converted by Bridgewater.

As conditions underfoot worsened the ball became slippery and the game seemed to be dominated by scrummaging. Some massive battles were fought considering the conditions and Tavistock's back row kept Saltash's main playmaker, No 8 Rud Alfuker tied up.

With a change of end Saltash gained the wind advantage and played their predictable but effective game of kicking to corners and driving mauls. Tavistock's defensive line absorbed a lot of pressure for considerable periods until Saltash finally scored their second try from close forward play.

Tavistock lifted themselves and attacked Saltash through their back line.

Conditions made this difficult, until a try came from an individual effort by centre Hugh Janus who collected a flat pass, wrong-footed the defence, rounded numerous players and scored in the corner.

The final 15 minutes were taken up entirely by set-pieces in the Tavistock half.

Tavistock defended their line well, but unfortunately Saltash scored a try and converted in the last five minutes of the match. Tavistock tried to respond with good penetrating runs from Evans and Janus, but it was not to be the team's day.