Tavistock made the long trip to Penryn on Saturday, perhaps more in hope rather than expectation, with a number of players unavailable through injury and work commitments.
However, come the end of a well contested match the Moorlanders’ were rueing their missed opportunities and they can be disappointed that they didn’t at least secure a try bonus point.
Tavistock started brightly after shunting the Penryn scrum 10 metres up the pitch and drawing a penalty. Unfortunately the Cornish side were not going to be drawn into a forwards battle and they utilised their classy, well drilled backline at every opportunity.
Often playing off first phase ball Penryn moved the ball to the wings quickly and this paid dividends with the home side scoring 2 tries in the first 10 to 15 minutes. Despite this early setback Tavistock defended resolutely and Full back Jack Glover, Centre Josh Birch and Fly half Ethan Lamerton all making potential try saving tackles.
Flanker Richard Cann was unlucky not to score after busting through the defensive line and running from the half way to the opponent’s 22 metre line before he was scragged.
Tavistock centre Phil Wilson and second row Seb Cox also made good yardage. Nevertheless, Penryn continued to be ruthless in their finishing and capitalising on turnovers and Tavistock dropped balls they secured their try bonus point before half time.
Though Tavistock did have the last say of the half with Ethan Lamerton finding space for Number 8 Andrew Schuttkacker to drive through and score under the posts. Hamish Watson added the conversion.
The second half saw Tavistock look to move the ball to the wider channels themselves and Jack Glover and winger AshToll both made breaks. Scrum half Hamish Dawson found space in and around the rucks and some nifty footwork took him to within five metres of the try line. Sadly the offload to Ethan Lamerton fell short and he knocked on when he had a clear walk in to the line.
By the last 20 minutes of the game Penryn had moved even further ahead but Tavistock were undeterred and lovely flowing move saw Ethan Lamerton find centre Phil Wilson cutting an inside line to score under the posts.
Centre Josh Birch made an impressive break side stepping his way through a number of defenders before linking with Lamerton to receive the return ball and he just got bundled into touch before he could score in the left corner.
Tavistock’s third try came from strong scrummaging with front rowers Ash Martin, Hammy Kerswill and Charlie Charlton showing dominance and forcing the penalty try after the Penryn scrum collapsed.
During the dying minutes of the game Ash Toll broke free on the left wing and looked to have a clear run in for that elusive fourth try before his opposing winger hauled him back just short of the line.