A NUMBER of former Devonport Services favourites turned the clock back on Wednesday night to help the club’s third team win the Ellis Trophy at the Rectory.
The side, captained by Matt Anstis, comfortably beat Tavistock IIs 52-19.
There was no shortage of experience in the Services’ third string.
As well as Anstis, the team featured the likes of Tony Sibley, Jamie Shone, Rocky Young, Callum Perkin, Ben McGowan and Dean Avery, who played for Devon in the last County Championship campaign. Dave Oakley also made an appearance off the bench.
Anstis showed that he is still deadly from the kicking tee by converting seven out of seven conversions and adding a penalty.
But there was also some youth in the Services side and back Dylan Harbour did catch the eye with some exciting runs.
Tavistock IIs actually took the lead with a try by centre John Henry.
Anstis hit the post with a penalty – his only miss of the night – before Joe Martin won the race to a kick through to go over for Devonport’s first try, which Anstis converted.
Perkin then went over for a touch-down after Services had driven well before off-loading inside and Martin add another before half-time with a good passing move from a line-out.
With Anstis converting all three first half tries, it put Services 21-5 up at the break, with Tavistock missing a late penalty to reduce the gap.
Straight after the interval, Anstis kicked a penalty before replacement Ian Nicol got the ball down from a catch-and-drive move.
Phil Greensides then went over in the corner before McGowen crossed for one to make it 45-5.
But Tavistock kept going and they got a try back courtesy of fine 35-metre effort from Tom Wheeler.
Rocky Young then got a seventh try for Devonport before James Lovering crossed for a consolation effort for Tavistock.
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