BUCKFASTLEIGH 6 - NORTH TAWTON 24

AFTER last week’s comprehensive win over Exeter Sarries it would be fair to say that North Tawton were made to work a lot harder for all the points on offer against a very resilient Buckfast side who did well to keep the score so close, at least until half-time, making the most of the wind and playing down the slope.

Add some handling errors from the Tawts and I think the home side would be the happier at only a point down at the break, six points in the shape of two penalties, with North Tawton it has to be said showing signs of things to come with a typical Craig Dennis run from deep and over in the corner for a try, conversion added by Gary Sizmur seven points.

The second half got underway with the Tawts now playing down the slope and with mostly the wind at their backs it wasn’t long before the away side got their second try with Alex Dennis who was making his first start for a while going over the try-line.

The kick missed and it was 6-12 to the Tawts.

Bit by bit North Tawton took control of this match and continued to push the home team into playing in between their own 22 and 10 with very rare trips into the Tawton zones. When they did it was always well-covered with some good place kicking by the new full-back, yet another Dennis, this being Kev Dennis who I am sure will make a welcome addition to an already powerful set of backs.

Almost on cue, step up Gary Sizmur, another run from his own lines and he’s over for what seems like his weekly try missed kick, and it’s 6-17.

A bonus point was now well in the Tawts sights. Saved the best ’til last, they did. Some very quick passing and inter play between forwards and backs, James Bowden adds to his growing season tally of tries, adding the conversion gives us the final score of 6-24.

Hard work at times but always in control. Another away win in the bag not an easy place to get a win at the best of times.

Man of the Match was Nathen Abrams who just gets better every match.

This weekend North Tawton are at home to Dartmouth - a must win in what is becoming the business end of the season.

Chris Phare