Crediton U15s 24 NorthOkes U15s 7 THIS was a fantastic game played in difficult conditions at Creedy Park. Playing uphill in the first half, NorthOkes, without three of their normal front five, put in a tremendous performance to hold their opponents until with 20 minutes gone the Crediton scrum half dived over from a rolling maul. Under pressure in the scrums without their hooker, NorthOkes Dan Curtis and Eric Bright tackled like demons around the fringes. With their much vaunted backs under pressure from centres Paul Winthorpe and Joe Taylor it was left to Creedy forwards to drive over for a second try by their excellent No 8 who was a handful all day. Just before half-time a line take and drive increased the score to 19 points. While they came away from the first half with nothing, every one of the NorthOkes team had put in tremendous performance. In the second half it was tit for tat; some superb rucking and driving by among others, Chris Knott, Andy Evans, Matt Harding and Jordan Lee saw NorthOkes take the game to Crediton. First Chris Knott was put away down the line and only a great try saving tackle stopped a try. Joe Taylor, brilliant in defence, made a break, only for the scoring pass to disappear in the mud. Then Paul Winthorpe made a searing break through the centre to be brought down by a try saving tackle on the line by the Crediton full back. Not to be deterred, NorthOkes launched a series of drives and Ollie Scantlebury picked up to drive over for a well deserved try which was converted by Eric Bright. With NorthOkes pushing for a further try it was Crediton who broke out. Despite some superb tackles Crediton's outstanding player, centre Sam Hill, stole over a try against the run of play. NorthOkes came back and it was only frantic defence which kept them out. Beaten out of sight last year this match showed how far NorthOkes have come this season. With new boys Paul Winthorpe, Joe Taylor and Simon Fellows in the backs beginning to develop an excellent partnership with which to launch attacks. All who watched were of the opinion that this was an excellent game of junior rugby. l NorthOkes U15s play at home on Sunday to Exeter Saracens U15s.
