Tavistock 15 Teignmouth 22

Teignmouth travelled to lowly Tavistock full of optimism after a strong start to the season which saw them in fifth place in the league table, level on points with third place. However, the weather was more conducive to cricket than rugby, and the opponents proved more of a test than the visitors had expected.

With temperatures in the 70s, it was always going to be hard work, especially for the forwards, and so it was hardly surprising that scoring opportunities were few and far between. Nevertheless, the Teigns tried hard to use their talented back line as often as possible, and were rewarded with a Pitman penalty.

Tavistock however were belying their position in the league and struck back quickly with a penalty and a converted try.

At this stage the home side must have been sensing an upset, but they reckoned without the try-scoring machine that is prop George Mowson. He opened his account for the season last week against Plymouth Barbarians, and proceeded to double his tally with a break from just inside the 22, giving Pitman the opportunity to convert and level the scores.

Teignmouth’s new 1st XV coach Simon Morrell has worked hard on the fitness of the squad, and this hard work paid off in the second half as Tavistock started to wilt in the heat. The visitors started to play a tighter, forward-controlled game which guaranteed them a large slice of possession and territory.

It was only a matter of time before this domination was translated into points on the scoreboard, as first Matt Moses and the Will Sowden were released to put the visitors in control. Moses converted his own try to take the score to 22-10.

With three tries in the bag, Teignmouth went hunting for a fourth to give them a bonus point, but this left gaps at the back which enabled Tavistock to score a second try of their own, and thereby grab a losing bonus point, as the game finished 22-15 to the visitors.

Afterwards Teigns’ skipper Colin Ashworth was less than satisfied with his team’s performance; he felt that the heat had affected the team’s ability to play to their strengths but was disappointed at their inability to impose themselves in the first half against a struggling side.

This week Teignmouth are on the road again as they visit East Devon to play Withycombe, kick off 3pm.