THE Kelly Devon Sevens rugby squad had taken advantage of extended training sessions this term and as a result their performance was much improved from that seen in the Millfield tournament earlier in the season.

Particular attention had been placed on handling skills and footwork, both of which were clearly evident. It was pleasing to see last year?s prop forward Matthew Vivian side-step his way through the Exeter Academy defensive line.

But it was the unity of the team on the field that most impressed spectators.

Each player battled hard in what became appallingly wet and cold conditions as the rain lashed in.

A defeat against Ivybridge College Academy in the opening match 7-24 was a creditable performance.

There were excellent ball skills from William Pickard and Tyler Shannon. However, it was a tackle from Andrei Korentang that many will remember. His slight frame downed the enormous Ivybridge prop as he ran flat-out and down the hill.

Exeter College were dominant in the second match as Kelly struggled to control the ball when in possession and were outpaced in defence. A strong finish and a try from Alex McCarthy provided hope.

The match against Torquay Boys GS was closer than the 10-24 score suggests, as it was only in the closing moments that Torquay scored their fourth and decisive try.

Andy MacDougall finished a great individual piece of work, although he injured himself in the process and played no further part in the competition.

At last, it was time to play the long awaited ?battle of Tavistock? as the draw presented Kelly College against Tavistock Community College.

After a nervous but focused build up, Kelly turned over the ball twice behind their own goal line. David Hutchins? determination laid the foundation for the following moments. Mike Yeomans scored the try of the tournament after Kelly managed to retain the ball for a long period of time. The defence was stretched and gaps appeared for Mike to waltz over the line.

Tavistock fought back but the game ended 24-7 in Kelly?s favour. It was a good-tempered game and credit must go to the Tavistock College team for the spirit in which they played.

The semi-final of the plate proved to be a bridge too far. Defeat to Exeter College was convincing at 5-35. Nevertheless, the day had been encouraging, especially for the future, as seven of the eleven-man squad were U16s playing in an U18s? tournament.

l Kelly College U12 Sevens rugby squad took part in the Cunningham Cup event last week. The team were in a pool in the first round with Estover School and Plymouth College B.

Kelly?s handling let them down in the first half of their first game and they were soon two scores down to Estover, who were showing good handling and running.

Although the Kelly defence improved, the poor start meant the first game was lost.

The second game was better and Kelly tackled with ferocity. Liam Yeo crossed the Plymouth College line twice.

This result took Kelly into the second place pool for the trophy.

Their first match was against John Kitto College, a physically larger side who played a forward dominated game. The game was well contested and resulted in a draw.

Kelly?s next game, against Plymstock, was another hard contest with one breakaway try deciding the matter in Plymstock?s favour.

The penultimate game was against Sir John Hunt College and again Yeo went over to score the only try, giving Kelly their second victory of the day.

Kelly had one more game to play and the possibility of winning the trophy in a keenly contested pool. However, the match against Ridgeway School started badly and Kelly were quickly three tries down.

Robert Wilson lifted hopes with a powerful run and score but after that Ridgeway?s defence held strong up to the final whistle.

The whole day was a rugby spectacular with 16 U12 teams competing for the cup ? a good day was had by all the Kelly College players and they were justly proud of their record of two wins, one draw and three defeats.

Kelly U12 squad: Tristan Hext, Giles Kisby, Rupert Searle, William Gray, Thomas Bury, Robert Wilson, Josh Stewart, Liam Yeo, Rhys Williams, Joshua Warne, Hal Spreckley, Rhys Byrne (captain), Bob Carr.