Devon two

Ilfracombe 0

North Tawton 32

AN early season victory for North Tawton RFC?in their home fixture was not to be misleading as Ilfracombe are a solid outfit on their sloped home pitch. In the first 10 minutes Ilfracombe came out firing and forced a number of handling errors in midfield. As nerves settled, however, Tawton struck when Alex Dennis broke free and hacked forward for Luke to pounce for a five pointer.

With the slope in their favour North Tawton played the corners well but were not tempted to kick too much possession away — instead playing fast free-flowing rugby. This soon paid off as the impressive Ben Sharp splintered the opposition defence for Simon Quick to break free 40 yards out, bamboozling the opposition full back with a superb dummy to finish off a solo effort under the sticks. Craig Dennis converted and brought the halftime score to 12-0.

In the second half North Tawton had the incline to battle with, nevertheless in set pieces the visitors dominated with penalties being won at scrum time and 90% of all line-outs favouring North Tawton. Moments into the half and Alex Dennis converted a Combe infringement with a penalty in front of the posts.

Craig Dennis capitalised on a loose pass and intercepted for a clear run in to the white wash. The penultimate score, albeit from three metres out, was potentially the most deserved as player of the match Jak Phare was rewarded for his opportunism as he tapped, sniped and burrowed under the home sides pack for a score.

The last 15 minutes were perhaps uncharacteristic ones for North Tawton; but for all the good reasons – a number of well worked line-outs were driven an accumulative of at least 30 metres, despite a well structured Ilfracombe counter.

The game was finished in this manner as the ever dangerous Alfie May fought his way to the line of the back of a Tawton maul.