This was a good start to the season for Teignmouth as they won their first Merit Table game of the season and importantly away from home.
With the core of last year’s side a year older and more experienced and with some new players ambitions are big this year.
Starting hard and at a good tempo Teignmouth took the game to Tavistock and quickly built a 17-0 lead with tries from Sam Banks and Callum Couch crossing. Dan Aldworth did the leg work for Banks try and Couch’s came from a long kick from Jack Saunders both were converted by Couch and he also kicked a penalty.
A more even patch of play saw Tavistock slip back in to the game as the collective Teignmouth foot came off the gas. A catch and drive ended with Dan Aldworth driving over for the try. Another Couch conversion meant the game was more evenly balanced than it should have been.
Teignmouth responded well however and tore into Tavistock at the start of the half scoring three tries without reply as the tempo was stepped up and the handling and support improved. Though Tavistock battled on and scored two tries of their own Teignmouth never let them get close again and always had a bit more when needed.
The second half tries went to Couch 2 PJ Cockram 2 Joe Woolnough, Sam Banks and skipper Andy Webber, Couch added two conversions.
The pack dominated throughout both at line out and at all the contact points the link up and support play were strong. In the backs some promising moves in the first half were spoiled by dropped passes and off loads. In the second half this improved and the support and link up carved Tavistock open repeatedly. All of the tries featured several players at least in the build up and it was good to see 5 of the tries coming from the two wingers. This though was a team effort and a very effective one.
Next week at home to Exeter Saracens.