OKEHAMPTON Youth U16?s went on tour to Newbury and Chippenham playing against strong opposition with youth membership three times that of Okehampton.

On the Saturday Newbury with six county players gained the upper hand in the first 20 minutes with strong running play from both forwards and backs.

The home side slowly racked up the points but were made to work hard to achieve this.

Gary Sizmur played exceptionally well at scrum half with the new rules allowing his opposite number to pressure him by coming beyond the tunnel as for the adult game. Johnny Hutchins and Ian Brooks on the wings ran and tackled well. Despite running many moves in the backs Okehampton could only manage a single penalty by Andy Herrod-Taylor in the first half and trailed 27-3 at the break.

Okehampton increased their workrate in the 2nd half with Dean Beardon breaking from wing forward to pressure the backline ably supported by Paul Lawrence. Early into the half the backline broke through and after a string of passes in traffic; saw Ian Brooks over in the corner for 5 points.

A few minutes later he was hauled down just short of the line but Nicky Martin drove over for a try after 3 succesive rucks.Conversion by A. Herrod-Taylor. Newbury replied with 10 minutes to go with a penalty and finished the game with a converted try to win .

Newbury . . . . . . . . . . 37

Okehampton U16?s . .15

Three under 15?s played extremely well and justified their places ? Nicky Martin,Jamie Pavelly and Luke Honeychurch.

Sunday?s game was hard fought but Chippenham fielded a strong side with no weak links. Continual pressure in the first 10 minutes gave a try to the left wing with an overlap and a repeat 7 minutes later. Okehampton tackled well in the backs and Gary Sizmur had another excellent game along with Sam Turner and Matt West.

Captain Richard Bolt led by example in the centre supported by Jack Preston with crushing tackles. Chippenham were worthy winners.

A tie from the home side was awarded to Andy Herrod-Taylor at fly half as Okehampton?s ?Man of the Match?.

The front row of Nicky Martin, Jamie Pavelly and Richard Mortimore held their own against a monstrous Chippenham pack. Tom Bird at number 8 worked well on the fringes of loose play but couldn?t make headway against a superb back row.

Rob Clarke came on in the second half fitting in well with Luke Honeychurch who was impressive at centre,wing or full back and will enjoy the extra space at U15 level.

A very big thanks to the parents who drove and to the young men whose behaviour and attitude were beyond reproach.

Sam Turner won the Tour Clubman award, Matt West the ?Best Injury?, Paul Lawrence ?Best Supporting Player? Jonny Hutchins ?Ladies man? and ?Tour superstar? went to captain Richard Bolt. two injured players, Simon Cox and Chris Searle kept the team focused and well watered during the games.