PEOPLE who have followed the fortunes of Okehampton Argyle U16s will know that despite a wealth of talent they failed to chalk up a single win.
Not a good background for stepping up into the senior league for the 03/04 season. However, the boys have realised all the promise they showed last season by winning a senior five-a-side tournament in Halwill last weekend.
On Friday night Okehampton were asked to make up the numbers at the tournament the following day. A squad was put together of Powell, Kinsey, Morgan, R Eddy, W Eddy, Evans and Griffiths.
This was only their second taste of senior football but they lapped up the more physical nature of the game, showing their skill and determination were good enough to compete at a higher level.
One draw and two wins saw them win their group on goal difference and meet Halwill Veterans in the semi-final. The wise old heads, more than compensating for loss of pace, gave the Okehampton lads a lesson in quality football. Nevertheless, the lads were not phased,stuck to the task in hand and finally won through, earning praise from the Veterans.
The final promised to be the toughest task of the day against Halwill, but the boys took control and strolled home 3-0 winners.
This season can hold no fears for the lads as they venture into senior league football under the guise of Okehampton Thirds. The first match of the season is at Crediton on August 30.