Tavistock enjoy pre-season run-out against a spirited Saltash side

Tavistock...29 Saltash...7

TAVISTOCK overcame a spirited Saltash side in a competitive pre-seson clash at Sandy Park.

Despite playing a team from a league above them, Saltash gave a good account of themselves.

But some individual brilliance from Tavistock and a few small errors from the visitors allowed the home side to score five tries.

In the early exchanges, there was little to pick between the two sides.

But, in the 15th minute, a missed tackle saw Tavistock scrum-half Dan Luffman sprint clear to go in for the first try and a 5-0 lead.

The home side added another after concerted pressure through the pack from number eight Jake Phillips.

Saltash stepped up to the mark with fly-half Kieran Blake making a good break to put wing Jason Carroll clear — only for him to be hauled down short of the line.

Tavistock extended their lead in the 35th minute when a basic move put centre Doug Lloyd into space for him to go in to score from the 22. Nick Lane added a good conversion to give his side a 17-0 lead.

That was extended to 24-0 when Luffman added a second try after skinning the defence to go in untouched. Fly-half Matt Witcher added the extras for a comfortable 26-0 half-time lead.

In the second half, Saltash settled more and spent long periods in the Tavistock half.

They were rewarded for their efforts when a well-worked blindside move and break from centre Tyler Shannon put wing Kieran Hurrell clear to score. Fly-half Steve Down added the conversion.

Saltash came close to adding to that score after prolonged pressure on the Tavistock line and a series of penalties.

Only strong Tavistock defence denied them further scoring chances.

The home side cleared their lines and a rare second half foray produced a second try for Lloyd to seal the victory and make it 29-7.

For Saltash, there was some encouragement ahead of their first league game at home to Cornwall/Devon newcomers Roseland next Saturday.

Prior to that game, Saltash will be holding a presentation (1.30pm) for long serving committee man Reg Dickerson, who is a founder of the club and retired from duties at the end of last season after 40 years work at the club.