Barnstaple U15s 36

Okehampton U15s 14

THIS was the typical game of two halves with Barnstaple completely dominating the first and running in four tries against a lacklustre Okehampton.

The coaches did their job at half-time as what seemed a completely different Okehampton side took control straight from the kick off, driving deep into the Barnstaple 22.

Continued pressure led to the first try as Matt Johns capitalised on a Barnstaple mistake to go over for the first try which he also converted. Barnstaple managed to get into the Okehampton half and some poor tackling from a lineout let them in for a soft score.

Okehampton responded and showed excellent form in both the forwards and backs and were rewarded as Lee Hughes went over from short range. A breakout from defence allowed Barnstaple another second half try but this was probably against the run of play as remarkably Okes were now dominating.  

The final whistle came and though the score showed a loss the second half performance should give the team confidencce for the rest of the season.

Okehampton U14s 41

Barnstaple U14s 0

ON a cold sunny morning at North Tawton, Okehampton kicked off against Barnstaple, and Jordan Cornthwaite scored a try on the left wing, with the first attack of the game. Liam Wilkins narrowly missed the conversion.

A few moments later, and Alex Arthurs broke down the right wing and went over for a try. Again this was narrowly missed due to the tight angle. Okehampton's third try came just moments later, and this time Dean Folland had plenty of time to run around the posts to put the ball down, to assist Wilkins with the successful conversion.

Two more tries followed in quick succession, with Josh Bush making another of his great weaving runs before crossing the line, and Arthurs bagging his second, again under the posts for Wilkins to convert.

With the score at 29-0 at half-time, Okehampton were able to make some changes, and brought on birthday boy Stephen Downing to the second row, and Archie Embling to the right wing.

Barnstaple had more possession in the half, but any promising runs by them were quickly dealt with by great tackles from Luke Dennis and full back Deane Andrew.

Arthurs scored his third try midway through the second half, and Folland got his second in the dying minutes, after making a great interception close to the Barnstaple line. Wilkins converted this beautifully to end the game.

North Okes U13s 24

Barnstaple U13s 26

BARNSTAPLE arrived with a bigger and more aggressive pack and opened the score with a try and conversion within the first few minutes.

Okehampton responded with the first of two tries by Billy Searle, which was the result of a good break and pass by Ryan Lee, who was man of the match.

Kieran Lee also scored a try with a good run down the wing. Kyler Burns played at scrum half and took a low pass to show pace to score a try from their own 22. Callum Barber played well in the forwards, Daniel Squire and Alfie Hawker picking up the loose ball around the fringes.

All the backs played well with Will Cooper at full back and Matt Baker as centre this week. Forwards and backs alike supported each other but unfortunately this was not enough to beat a stronger side on the day.

Okehampton U8s v

Exeter Chiefs U8s

First game: 5 - 11

Second game: 7 - 7

OKEHAMPTON found it hard to get going in the first half and appeared to be suffering with the cold, muddy conditions. Exeter took full advantage of the slow start by Okehampton, scoring seven tries by half-time.

The Okehampton coaches rallied the team, and the young side showed their strength of character, fighting back to score three tries against another four from the disciplined Chiefs. It was a hard match, providing invaluable experience for Okehampton.

Tries scored: Daniel Turney (4), Nathan Tomkins

The Chiefs had brought along two squads so the second game saw a whole fresh team play against an already weary Okehampton. Despite this, they displayed some excellent tagging which led to a turnover early in the game.

From this, Tom was able to pick up the ball and go over the line for his first well deserved try of the season.

The whole team then got into its stride and once they began to run at the opposition, found that they could break through the defence.

The team pulled together to turn in a gritty performance after losing the first match, resulting in a well earned draw of seven tries apiece. A special mention to Tom for his hat-trick – well done.

Tries scored: Tom Michie (3), Nathan Tomkins (2), Will Risdon, Imogen Ogborne.

Okehampton U7s v

Exeter Chiefs U8s

OKEHAMPTON were surprisingly triumphant over a Chiefs U8s side due to the Chiefs' U7s unavailability —played over two thrilling matches on the first pitch at the Okehampton Showfield in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.

Match one — Okehampton shocked the Chiefs into defeat following fast tagging and great support play from the young Okehampton players.

Tries came through Daniel Wonnacott, Jake Laing-Taylor, Joshua Burgoyne and Cole Pengelly (two). Okehampton kept up a fast tempo, forcing the Chiefs into mistakes, ensuring they remained on the back foot.

Okehampton capitalised on these mistakes, sending the Chiefs back towards their own line. Okehampton then picked up loose ball through Will Cunningham, Saul Holliday and James Close, who all contributed in support to the team with deadly accuracy and little error.

Match two — Ensuring rotation of all 16 players throughout the two seven-a-side matches, Okehampton managed to pull off another great win against older opposition.

Some fantastic flying tagging from Harry Laing-Taylor, Joshua Burgoyne, Joshua Parsons, Cole Pengelly, Daniel Wonnacott, Angus Haygarth and Daniel Tomkins kept the Chiefs at bay.

Tries came from Ben Wharton, James Stephens, Charlie Glanville, Cole Pengelly (two) and Mathew Denning, who scored an excellent try in the corner.

Okehampton were complimented on their discipline, tagging ability and support play by the Exeter Chiefs' coaches.