After several weeks without a competitive match last Sunday finally saw a return to the pitch for the Withies with the relatively long, but picturesque, trip down to Dartmoor saw the U9s take on Tavistock.

With a real lack of game time over the last few weeks it was always going to be an interesting fixture with Tavistock being a relatively unknown quantity and our boys out of match practice (bar the trip to Chard).

As it turned out it was an immensely enjoyable fixture and the Withy team showed how much they have improved as the season has gone on despite the lack of game time. With two excellent matches played and honours even in terms of results, Withy demonstrated some expansive rugby with some excellent movement, continuity and passing. It maybe showed some defensive work needs to be done in and around the tackle area - but all in all a really excellent effort by the team.

The first game started with a Tavistock charged through that fortunately did not set the tone for the rest of the game. With some big players Withy really had to step up with the tackling and it's fair to say they certainly did that. Sam, Jack along with Rory and Callum were at the forefront of the defence taking a number of big tackles that slowly saw the Green and Blacks gain the upper hand. Withy replied with a number of very well worked tries that demonstrated movement and passing - Ollie spreading the play, Ryan breaking the line and Jason and Tom weaving through the Tavy Defence - Jason also making some excellent tackles. The crowd seemed to be enjoying the game with some vocal support cheering the boys on - much to cheer about as Withy ran in several well worked tries - Ryan, Callum, Rory, Jason and Sam all getting on the score sheet. A great game and worthy Withy victory.

The second game was a tougher affair as Tavistock brought out the big guns. This definitely evened things up and resulted in a number of line breaks and tries to Tavistock. Withy fought back into the game with Callum, Jack and Rory forming the core of the defence, Evan also contributed to the defensive line that gradually saw the line breaks dry up as the game went on. Sam again used his pace in attack, as did Jason and Ollie - determined running and much improved passing enabled Withy to mount some sustained phases of play - maybe just lacking the the clinical finishing need, but excellent none the less. The numerous big players on the Tavistock side edged the result in their favour despite a late break away try from Ollie.

There are fixtures, and there are fixtures - and I think it's fair to say that the trip to Tavy was an enjoyable one. Thanks to Neil for hosting us, and thanks to all the parents who made the time to get down to Tavistock. A thoroughly enjoyable game played in absolutely the right spirit.

Man of the Match: Jack - he was everywhere, tackling running and scoring. Well done Jack (it could have equally been given to Callum for the same, Jason for his tackling, and Rory who was also excellent)

Play of the Day: Sam - what a tackle he made on the big guy!! (Equally could have gone to Ryan for his tackle and great try, Ollie for his try)

Next game is the Sidmouth Festival on 13th March - details to follow!!