OKEHAMPTON RFC U15s took 18 on tour to Winchester and Dorchester.
The first match, against Winchester, was fast with excellent skills from both teams.
Okehampton kept asking questions in attack with Marshall and Mann in control at half back. Winchester were resolute in defence before a kick ahead gave a lucky bounce into the hands of Peter Blight on the wing who shrugged off three tacklers to score under the posts for Marshall to convert.
Okehampton scored again against the run of play when 10 yards out a scrum ball was almost fumbled by centre Peter Herrod-Taylor before he changed direction from the right to the left of the scrum and drove through the tackles for the try.
Poor defensive options put Okehampton under pressure near their line but Mann and Madders held up the number 8 drive to deny the home side yet again. They were rewarded when incisive running gave them a converted try. Excellent tackles kept the score at 7-12 at half time.
Winchester came out after the break with a higher work-rate and levelled the scores before taking the lead after a good try by their wing forward. Okehampton rallied, putting together succesive rucks and mauls before releasing Blight on the wing who took his chance to score under the posts.
At 19-19 they were hoping to hold on but the home side had other plans. A perfect chip over the backs was retrieved for a try to lead 24-19.
Okehampton dug deep with the pack driving upfield to win a penalty five yards out and Herrod-Taylor taking it quickly would not be denied, driving the tacklers backwards to level the scores at 24-24.
Winchester responded at once running the legs off the Okehampton tacklers to score again and lead 29-24.
Okehampton tried to rally but tired limbs would not respond. Winchester settled the matter at the whistle with a number 8 drive from five yards to win 34-24.
Eddie Mann was man of the match and awarded a prize by Winchester along with the exchange of a Winchester plaque for us and a rugby ball signed by the tour party for the home side.
On Sunday Okehampton played two short games, the first against Midsomer Norton. The skills of the previous day deserted the team and the game was lost in the dying moments with a single converted try.
The second game against hosts Dorchester was an improvement.Early on Josh Taylor drove on releasing the ball to Herrod-Taylor to break through and make the final pass to Jake Lomax who rounded the tacklers and ran under the posts with Marshall converting.
Dorchester replied with a chip forward on the blind side of the scrum and a chase to level the scoes.
This was repeated soon after with another inch -erfect chip bouncing two yards out from the corner flag with the winger diving to catch the ball and ground it for the try before the tackler could bundle him into touch.
Leading 12-7 at half time the home side turned the screws and luck fell their way.
A tired Okehampton could not contain the home players and the final score of 34-7 was deserved if somewhat flattering to Dorchester.
Although Okehampton failed to win a game the tour was a success with everyone enjoying the experience and some excellent rugby played. The season now ends with the youth presentation night on Friday May 12 at the club at 7.30pm.Please tell your coaches how many of you are coming along and what refreshments you will bring on the night.