Dramatic victory a welcome relief for Tavistock RFC

It has been a long and tough season already for Tavistock Rugby Club but the Moorlanders still have destiny in their own hands after a tense 16-15 victory over Counties 1 Tribute Western West Division.

The Moorlanders have been battling at the wrong end of the table all season and the recent resurgence of bottom club Bideford, who inflicted a Christmas defeat on Tavi, has set the platform for a nervous ride over the closing months of the campaign.

St Ives grabbed an early lead but Tavi soon recovered their rhythm and composure, Freddie Fuller slotting a penalty to get the scoreboard moving in a positive direction. Fuller then scored another penalty to give his side a brief lead, St Ives responding with a scruffy try.

Despite that setback, the Moorlanders dug deep and fully deserved the try scored by Marc Kerswill and there was jubilation in home ranks when Andy Schuttkacker forced himself over after a close-range score.

St Ives set up a tense finish with a late try but Tavi held on for a vital victory that keeps them six points clear of Bideford and just three points behind Bude and St Ives. Next on the menu is a tricky visit from second-placed Pirates Amateurs.

Ivybridge were unable to follow up their magnificent win over title-chasing Barnstaple in the Regional 1 Tribute SW Division, as they slumped to a 68-19 loss at leaders Brixham. The Ivies remain bottom but just a point behind Chew Valley and the two sides meet at the Cross-in-Hand on February 1.

Okehampton suffered a frustrating 30-24 loss at Cullompton in the Regional 2 Tribute SW Division, but the wider story is a stoic display from the Okes, who were severely depleted by injury and absences.

The Okes grabbed an excellent early lead when Mike Stevens dived over in the corner, but the conversion was missed, and Cullompton gradually wrestled control of the game, racing into a 24-5 lead.

From such a difficult position, Okehampton rallied with exceptional character and reduced the arrears to a one-score game with a penalty try and Callum Arnold bundling over the line with brute force.

Cullompton restored a cushion with a brace of penalties in the second half before a lovely finish from Nathan Tomkins gave the Okes late hope. While they were unable to find another score, an encouraging Oke performance ahead of the visit from Teignmouth.