OLD TECHS finally returned to action for the first time in 14 months on Thursday evening.
The Old Boys, who last played on March 14, 2020, hosted higher league Plymstock Albion Oaks in an adapted rules game at a dark, wet and windy Weston Mill.
Oaks ran out 22-5 winners, but Techs, who were only 10-0 down going into the final 10 minutes, will have been encouraged by their display against their Cornwall & Devon League opponents, who were playing their fourth game in three weeks.
The gale-force wind blowing down the Weston Mill pitch did not make it easy for either team, but both actually played their best rugby when facing the elements.
Oaks took the lead 16 minutes into the match when lock Andy Porter forced his way over from close range.
Ten minutes later prop Sean Dunn crossed on the left to make it 10-0.
But Devon One side Techs defended well and make it hard for Plymstock, who also tackled well.
The hosts did have more possession second half and powerful number eight Grant Aitken produced the moment of the match when he shrugged off a number of players to make 70 metres down the right wing only to be eventually stopped in the 22.
However, two late tries in the space of five minutes sealed the game for Oaks. First, replacement Nic Dueux went over in the right corner before Calum Mills supported well to score under the posts after a quick counterattack move.
Techs, though, did get a deserved try in the dying seconds when centre Shane Abreu crossed in the right corner.
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