Devon Plate Tiverton U15s 7 North Okes U15s 11 FORCED to replay this semi-final on a technicality North Okes travelled to Tiverton and put in a tremendous performance in front of a partisan crowd. North Okes set their stall out straight from the kick-off by pressurising their opponents into early mistakes. Within ten minutes North Okes were rewarded when Ollie Scantlebury took the ball from the back of a driving maul on the 22 and raced to the line to touch down. There followed some good pressure from the forwards with Harvey Ratcliffe and Matt Harding getting amongst the large Tiverton forwards and turning over ball. A number of opportunities were created by the visitors without turning pressure into points. With minutes of the first half left it was Tiverton who created a chance for their speedy winger Joe Taylor, who forced a dropped ball on the line, which the referee confirmed to give the try; this was duly converted to put Tiverton ahead. Just after the restart a speculative kick from the Tiverton fly-half caught North Okes on the hop and they gave away a penalty almost on their own line. Great defence from Chris Knott, who had an excellent game, turned the ball over and a good drive allowed the half backs to clear. North Okes began to dominate and through their half backs Curtis and Bright set up some lovely moves with great running rugby. Within minutes North Okes were ahead when Eric Bright converted. Lovely running by Taylor, Winthorpe and Hodgeson forced another penalty which again Bright put over. Simon Fellows at full back had a cracking game for North Okes as did Brennan Townsend on the left wing. Tiverton briefly threatened to break out but it was North Okes who took the spoils marred only by a bad injury to their influential centre Paul Winthorpe. The players and management gave a special thanks to all those supporters who travelled to this match to support the team. This was a fifth victory in a row for North Okes, the highlight being a 27-0 victory over Welsh visitors Abercwnboi. Played on Easter Sunday before a huge crowd North Okes turned on the style scoring four superb tries through Jordan Lee (2) Christian Perry in only his second game showing his blistering pace and by Ollie Hodgeson a cracking try involving the whole team. This team's final game will be the plate final at Sandy Park, Exeter, on Sunday at 1pm against Sidmouth. If you would like to go on the supporters coach call 01647 432324.
