The game was played in ideal rugby conditions as the mist was burned off. A determined Cary team was soon put under pressure from an equally tenacious Tor side.

Despite some brave defence, Tor eventually found a way through to score their first try on the five-minute mark. The home side were not put off by this, and many long and entertaining passages of play saw both teams land some crunching tackles — along with many breaks towards the opposition's line. Tor scored twice more before the half-time break with no reply.

The second half again saw endeavour from both sides. After a long passage of energy-sapping, close-quarter play, Luke Travers emerged from a maul and broke for the Tor line with over half the pitch to cover. Strong running saw him cross the line for a well deserved try, which Peter Key converted.

Tor replied with another try, before Gareth Cadwalader went on a strong, searching run up the wing. He broke several tackles to reward the team's efforts with another greatly merited try. Peter Key again converted with confidence. With only one replacement during such a physical contest, Tor managed to score a further try before the full-time whistle.

Each team is to be congratulated on its performance. Cary should be able to build on this, knowing that their tackling and free-running play can and does lead to tries. There were too many significant players out there on the day to be able to name the 'Man of the Match', and hopefully we can go out with the same determination next week against Warminster.

 
 
by Paul Lester-Hinchliffe