Okehampton U16s 7 Ivybridge U16s 10 HAVING dispensed with Brixham and Bideford in previous rounds, Okehampton faced Ivybridge in this U16 Knock-Out Cup semi -final tie. Ivybridge as county champions, having won the knockout competition in the last three seasons and with nine county players included, started as favourites. The Okes gathered the initial kick-off and although securing possession some indifferent and inaccurate passing allowed Ivybridge to assert themselves with territorial advantage in the early stages . The Okes defended resolutely yet despite giving away some loose penalties, Ivybridge chose to run some predictable options that were easily defended instead of taking what seemed some easily kickable points. Through determined and spirited defence the visitors were kept at bay until at last the Okes escaped into attacking territory. The back row of Barrington, Harwood and Harding began to create sufficient pressure to disrupt the talented Ivybridge back line and forced play up-field to create their own chances. As play swung backwards and forwards the visitors worked their way back into the Okes 22 and after a prolonged period of pressure they eventually moved the ball wide for the the opening score which saw the first half close 0-5 to the visitors. The Okes set about the second half in determined style. The backs applied the kick and chase option which in increasingly desperate conditions was beginning to bear fruit. The resulting pressure forced the defense into handling errors which allowed North and Dart to kick through with Jamie Dart winning the race to the try which Liam Walker converted which saw the Okes take a deserved 7-5 lead. The Okes had a period of sustained pressure including forcing another error with the resulting kick through just crossing the dead ball line before the touch down. Ivybridge changed their game plan to great effect. With good and disciplined rucking skills and despite heroic defence from the Okehampton forwards , the visitors made a relentless advance up field ? yard by yard . Despite the possession advantage Ivybridge were still finding it difficult to advance into threatening positions. With the ball spilt from a ruck the Okes saw their opportunity to grab possession but were dealt a hammer blow when a yellow card was issued for a ruck infringement that seemed both dubious and very harsh. The visitors continued to make relentless progress up field and after a period camped under the Okes? posts they played the ball wide for a try in the corner. With no more than a few minutes left the Okes restarted with a long kick which was followed up superbly yet despite several last minute efforts, Ivybridge held on by the skin of their teeth to win through to the final. With 26 under 16 teams in the county this season, the Okes can feel proud in getting so near yet so far to the final.