Resilient Withies hold out for win 

The hosts were keen on a quick start, as they used forward strength well to dominate the early phases of the game and they soon prised open a gap to allow the aptly named Simon Quick through the Withy defence for a converted try on just three minutes.  

Withies gradually began to play with a little more intent and levelled out the match nicely. This was soon rewarded by way of a penalty in front of the posts which was executed well by Harry Symons. 

With the first half progressing into a great contest, there was a lot of good rugby to enjoy from both sides. Jacob Cornish produced a try-saving tackle for Withycombe but when second-rower Bryn Cresswell was shown a yellow for a deliberate knock-on after fumbling the attempted interception, the ensuing penalty from this was kicked between the posts. 

The gap was reduced to just the two points when a great catch and drive saw Number 8, Luke Pattison grounding the ball over the line for his third try of the season. With the conversion attempt hitting the uprights, the score stood at 10-8. 

Withy scored their decisive try when a powerful break from Neil Williams opened space for Jason Luff, who in turned passed to Jacob Cornish and then back to Luff, leading to the former Exeter Chiefs player diving into the corner with the score. The spectacular try was well followed up with a precision touchline conversion from Symons, putting Withy ahead for the first time in the game. 

With the lead and the game a little more in their control, Withies started to play with more flair, using each member of the team to create an array of good opportunities. However, with Bryn Cresswell being penalised for a second deliberate knock-on, he was shown his second yellow of the game, reducing the visitors to fourteen men once again.  

On top of this, the awarded penalty gave North Tawton a shot at goal, bringing the score to 13-15 after 52 minutes, but Withycombe had enough defensive energy in the tank to hold on for the victory.