Tavistock U 12s 0

Crediton U12s 21

TAVISTOCK's fine run of form came to an end in a three way fixture at home against Crediton and Bude with both the visiting sides taking advantage of the muddy conditions in tight forward battles.

In the first game Crediton's big pack dominated proceedings throughout so Tavistock did not enjoy as much possession.

Although the home forwards battled hard the superior size and strength of the Crediton pack led to them taking an early lead. When they did get the ball the Tavistock backs put some good moves together and Daniel Dobie nearly crossed for an equalising try. Fine Tavistock defence just managed to hold up the visitors short of the line.

The second half again saw underfoot conditions deteriorate making the running game more difficult. It didn't take long for the Crediton forwards to take advantage of this, crossing from another touchdown from a forward drive to make the score 14-0.

The Tavistock pack upped their game but the Crediton team played well in defence. Although they kept pressing Tavistock couldn't quite make the breakthrough and Crediton eventually sealed the game with another try just before the whistle.

Tavistock U12s 5

Bude U12s 7

AFTER a tight start with the forwards battling it out in the increasingly deep mud it was Tavistock who made the breakthrough half way through the first half. A long clearance kick by Charlie Carter was well followed up, the ball was recycled and Charlie Charlton managed to bulldoze over from 10 metres out to score. The conversion was missed which was to prove costly.

Bude continued to apply pressure on the Tavistock defence, but good tackling by Will Slater and Zak Brinkhurst kept the visiting forwards out. The visitors eventually took advantage of their pressure by pouncing on a charge down clearance kick on the Tavistock line to score; this was duly converted.

In the second half the play was increasingly with the forwards with David Lloyd-Graham and Sam Smith looking to make ground close in against a strong Bude defence. Long clearances by Bude were dealt with well by Jamie Brown at full back. Both teams pressed hard for another score, with some strong running and occasional good passing on display despite the tricky conditions.

Tavistock U11s 38

Crediton U11s 7

DESPITE the score line this was no walk over for Tavistock and there was only five points between two fine teams at half-time.

Crediton had improved since the last match and competed in every department. Tavistock's rucking has improved along with the scrum.

In the first half having won the ball it was often taken back into the mass of Crediton's defence.

It was only in the second half that the home team won hard earned ball and then used it wide to great effect. Best tackler for Tavistock was Charlie but fair play to one of Bert's efforts on a Crediton break out. The best support play went to Josh, whose fitness told with a superb try. This was a team effort ably captained by Joe. Matthew was most accurate in his kicking.

Okehampton U10s 45

Crediton U10s 25

OKEHAMPTON stormed to victory on Sunday against Crediton in their first game of 2009. Despite the snow and hail all the boys played well with William Bently Lovell showing determination in his tackles.

Matt Stoner, Patrick Beacom, Harry Hawker, Adam Hill and James Cox worked together to drive the ball forward. There was some excellent passing by Tom Bayley, Finn Fallon, Ross Davidson, and George Jeffery which led to the nine tries.

Oke were winning 15-10 at the end of a close first half – the first try was scored inside 10 seconds by Daniel Thorne, who went on on to score two more. Joe Mawle scored four tries and Ross Davidson two.

Okehampton U10s 35

Barnstaple U10s 15

IT was another great team performance for Okehampton U10s. Joe Mawle scored the first try after one of his many powerfull runs, then went onto score a second try to put Okehampton into a 10-nil lead. Barnstaple hit straight back, scoring from a close range penalty. Jack Raymond, who had a great game, made a strong run down the wing to score in the corner. Barnstaple then scored again from a close range penalty to keep it a close game at the end of the first break.

Oke limited Barnstaple to just one more try after some great tackling by Daniel Thorne, Ross Davidson and Jack Raymond. Good rucking and strong scrummaging from Matthew Stoner, Joe Mawle, Patrick Beacom, Finn Fallon-Clark gave Okehampton the edge in the scrums and rucks.

Plenty of the ball out to their backs which led to a further try for Jack Raymond. Daniel Thorne then scored from a penalty and Joe Mawle scored a further two tries. Owen Winston came back after his injury while Jonathon Marais made his debut.

Barnstaple U9s 25

Okehampton U9s 15

WITH only seven players, Oke were asleep for the early exchanges against their North Devon hosts and soon trailed by 15 points to five with only Leon Horne's solo score to show for their efforts.

The visitors then awoke from their slumbers and another try for the persistent Leon and a powerful run and score from Gregory Daniel ensured they finished with their heads held high. The boys all defended manfully in mud bath conditions. Olly Ardon was a constant attacking threat, and Corey Holliday led the tackle count.

Barnstaple U9s 5

Okehampton U9s 5

IN the rematch Oke led for long periods after taking the lead through a fine try from winger Jack Ogbourne. It was just a last gasp try from the hosts that enabled them to snatch the draw. Once again full credit must go to all seven Oke boys for a huge effort in atrocious conditions.