This was billed as the battle for third place. Both teams needed to win to clinch the position. Tawts recently buoyed by good results and Argaum coming off the back of two disappointing defeats.

The size of the Argaum squad played its part as Ciaran Bennett, Karl Sullivan, Stephan Jones, Ieuan Evans. Will Cox and Zack Akil were all unavailable. Up stepped Tom Underwood, Kevin Sidebottom and Jared Williams. Ryan Phillips returned after representing the Peninsula Medical School.

The conditions were in stark contrast to those that greeted the team on their last visit to Bickleigh Down. The sun was blazing and with just a gentle breeze, the support on the day was fantastic. Evidence of the mud bath that was the Lockie cup game was everywhere though as the pitch had dried out and was barren.

Argaum started well and after only 3 minutes, a well worked lineout move saw Mason Edwards pop over in the corner for the perfect start. Argaum looked the sharper right from the kickoff, but their eagerness saw the penalty count rise rapidly and despite the pressure, Tawts were able to clear their lines repeatedly. After ten minutes, both teams had exchanged penalties.

It was obvious that the Mid Devon side's centres were not going to see much ball as both the half backs exploited the conditions and kicked from the base of every restart one breakdown with seemingly good effect. This played into Argaum's hands eventually with Jake Turfrey putting in a very tidy performance, collecting everything that was thrown at him.

Good platform from the pack saw the backs attack from deep. Strong running from Dan James opened up space for Jared Williams and with the added running abilities in the pack from Edwards and Sidebottom, it must've been difficult for Tawts to know what was coming next.

Just past the midway point in the half, a well worked lineout, saw two phases of good play and Jamie Venner found a gap outside as crashed over, Richards converted. Further attacking running saw great support play recycling the ball up the field . Williams finally jinked inside three players to ground over. Particularly sweet as he had just been denied by a great last gasp tackle.

22-6 at half time but with the visitors now playing down the hill and with the breeze, it was far from over. They proved this with a good period of play that saw their fly half step Tom Richards to score under the posts. The conversion was dropped nonchalantly and it seemed that North Tawton were back in it.

This wasn't the case though as Argaum turned the screw. Richards replying with a penalty and the Chiefs went on to dominate at the breakdown and continue to run at the visitors. Much credit should go to the dogged tackling of the North Tawton midfield as nothing was missed and nothing was given up on.

It wasn't until the 71st minute that another great break saw a good pass from James to Edwards, who in turn released flier Kal Bloomfield to dash the last 25 yards and run under the posts. Richards slotted the extras.

That concluded the scoring and the game was played in the spirit it should be. Next week, the Chiefs are away to Old Techs whilst the Wanderers entertain their 2nds at home.