Wadebridge U16s 37

Okehampton U16S 27

WADEBRIDGE used the swirling wind to pressure Okehampton's full back early into the game. Poor covering and defensive support allowed two soft tries.

The home backs worked a loop to provide the overlap for their third try. Okehampton put good work with the back row of Beardon, Lawrence and Sizmur linking well in attack. But they could not turn good play into points.

From a lost lineout in Okehampton's 22 Wadebridge crashed through the centre to score under the posts.

At 22-0 luck finally fell to the visitors. A penalty in midfield was run deep by Bolt; support from the back row almost made the line but after a further infringement by Wadebridge, Bolt ran in the try from a quick penalty.

Finding some rhythm Okehampton interlinked between wing, scrum half and back row to drive 50 metres upfield. Bolt broke from the base of loose play and ran the rest of the field to score his second try.

At the break 22-12 down but with the slope in their favour Okehampton were rallied by West as 'pack leader' and the home team were soon running backwards.

Pressure led to penalties but a breakaway try from Wadebridge piled on the pain. Tom Bird at prop increased his workrate and almost made the line after a 25-metre drive. Rucked ball gave Okehampton the try to the wing.

Soon back in the 22 Okehampton pressured the opposition into succesive mistakes from a lineout for Bird to pounce on the loose ball and drive over for a try.

With only five points between the teams every player worked hard. A neat chip to the corner allowed the Okehampton wing to gather and score again to tie the score at 27 all with eight minutes left.

Neither side deserved to lose but Wadebridge made the most of their chances and stole the win with a try in the corner.

Okehampton look forward to winning ways this week against Exmouth at home, kick-off 11am.

Okehampton U15s 7

Tavistock U15s 39

THE opening match of the season saw some sizzling rugby.

Tavistock put together a performance that included seven tries and blasted away a determined Okehampton.

In the initial exchanges the forwards showed their strength and skills with a winning series of rucks and mauls. When the ball was released to the backs quick passing took it to the right wing where Shutler made good work to cut through the defence and touch down between the posts.

A similar try followed 17 minutes later, and the first half finished with a bruising run from Friend that led to a touchdown.

The second half opened with Tavistock having a wealth of possession which resulted in scores and from a ruck close to Okehampton's line Hickman picked up and crashed over for his first ever try.

The backs came back into the frame and Ewing took the opportunity to cross the line twice.

The Okes replied with a well deserved try and the match was seen out by a try from Lawson who had a great baptism as fly half, and kicked two conversions.

Tavistock U13s 2a0

Paignton U13s 0

TAVISTOCK enjoyed the first match at 15-a-side on a full-sized pitch by beating a strong Paignton side.

The strength of Leeson and O'Neill was shown early on when both forwards combined in a surge over the try-line that was judged to be held up by the referee.

On the other side of the front row Greg Barnes provided a solid performance and was supported well by Ben Latchbrook playing his first game for the club.

Continuing where he left off last season, Lloyd James showed his ability with a strength of tackling and the eye for a break that brought him two tries.

With therir opponents being moved backwards in tight and open play, Eddie Lane was his dominant self, linking with the running of Rob Milligan at fly half. Tavistock sought to move the ball wide through the centres; where Thompson was constantly avoiding his opposite number, allowing Warlow to crash through the defence for a well executed try.

The back three, joined in the action with full back and wing, Cuthbert and Evans almost creating another try score but outshadowed by Jon Smith on the other wing, who plucked a loose ball out of the air and scored his first try for the club.

If you wish to join a winning team then come to training Thursdays at 6.30pm or telephone Dave on 615735 or Derek on 610985.

Tavistock U14s 47

Paignton U14s 29

TAVISTOCK travelled to Paignton on Sunday for their first match of the season. Paignton were unable to field a full team on the day, so the boys divided into two mixed teams for a match, with Tavistock boys in the majority on both sides.

The match, played in glorious sunshine, provided both teams with a good workout and was very high-scoring, resulting in a win by 47 points to 29.

Following a successful last season and Easter tour the U14s have a strong nucleus of enthusiastic players but would still welcome new recruits.

They train every Thursday at 6.30pm at Tavistock Rugby Club and are playing Liskeard away this week, meeting at 9.15am in Bedford Square.