Exeter Chiefs U12s 14 Okehampton U12s 28 OKEHAMPTON were honoured on their Sunday visit to Exeter's new ground to be one of the first teams to play on their all-weather pitch, not the usual sand-style but plastic grass with recycled rubber infill. Watching the ground explode in small black particles when a ball landed heavily showed that it will improve in time. Okehampton took control early on and crossed the line twice in quick succession only to have the referee disallow the tries as being held off the ground by Exeter hands. This setback did not put the squad off and they continued to attack, using all players to gain ground. This allowed Luke Vincent and James Balch to score, both of which were converted by Liam Wilkins. Play continued to sway over the pitch and after some hard pressure Exeter crossed the line once which was converted. Sam Donaldson in the rucks and malls showed outstanding determination to take the ball forward and succeeded on several occasions .The back division were also busy attacking the line as well as defending solidly. Luke Vincent again crossed the line, soon followed by Dean Folland. Both were converted by Liam Wilkins whose kicking demonstrated to Exeter they need to extend their catch netting behind the posts as two kicks went onto the main pitch. The squad kept up the pressure and were within sight of the try line again when the ref blew the final whistle. Both squads were entertained in the new clubhouse. Okehampton U13s 5 Exeter Chiefs U13s 14 OKEHAMPTON made a good start, with rucking allowing the backs' ball to run at the Exeter defence which held firm. It looked like it would be a tight match as Exeter responded but Okehampton scored first with Chris Courtier going over from close range after a good driving maul to lead at half-time. The second half was just as tight but Exeter started to get on top as their full back ran back a number of kicks to set up good field position. Okehampton led with ten minutes to go but the intensity of the game was leading to tiredness — a few missed tackles allowed Exeter to get the equalising score then the lead with an excellent conversion. Okehampton tried to raise themselves for a final push but missed tackles allowed Exeter another score from long range which was converted to seal the win for the away side. There were good performances from many of the Okehampton players with Matt Johns leading from the front in attack and defence, excellent scrummaging from the pack and Ollie Kirby making try-saving tackles at full back. South Molton U16s 5 Okehampton U16s 60 IN their second league fixture the Okehampton pack of Scott Simpson, Tom Richards, Sam Woodham, Dan Braine, Luke Crocker, Rob Long, Mike Aylen and Stuart Bennie controlled the ball well at the rucks. It allowed good possession for scrum-half Will Heard to spread wide for backs Carl Poynton, Rory Honeychurch, Jake Chisholm and Carl Goodall (3) to score; Long (3) and Simpson scoring for the forwards. Dan Gills played on the wing and it was good to see Tom McGratton back in action. Okehampton U9s 40 Exeter Chiefs U9s 5 OKEHAMPTON started well, pushing Exeter back at every ruck and maul and forcing them into errors, resulting in early tries for Brendon Horn (3) and Reece Peacock (1). With confidence growing, further tries were scored by Patrick Ewen (2) and Sam Stratton (2). With every member of the team contributing well with this victory they look forward to this week's game at Crediton. Okehampton U9s 40 Sidmouth U9s 10 IN sunny weather a running game was expected, and strong running resulted in tries for Reece Peacock (4) and Brandon Horn (4).
