Devon plate

Tavistock U15s 5

Okehampton U15s 8

THIS has always been a tough fixture and this quarter final game lived up to the forecast.

In the first stage although Tavistock had a lot of the ball, the Okehampton defence held strong. Oke did venture into the opposition's half and gave themselves a few opportunities but it was either the bounce of the ball or ball not going to hand that kept them from scoring.

Tavistock started to have the run of play. After soaking up a lot of pressure it was only going to be a matter of time before the home side scored. Using the blind side option the Tavistock number eight crashed through to put the first points on the board.

The score stayed until after the break when Okehampton gave Tavistock a taste of their own; from a pass going on the blind side Niall Leahy ran through to score out wide.

With both sides having all to play for tensions were running high. Tavistock found themselves in the Okehampton 22 area but some sound defence by the visitors saw them back in the Tavistock half where they stayed for the remainder of the game.

The visitors used their pick and drives which ultimately in the last play of the game earned them a penalty just right of the posts. Daniel Thorne adding the match winning points. Both sides had chances but failed to capitalise. For Oke it was a great win with a superb team effort from everyone.  

Tavistock U13s 5

Kingsbridge U13s 15

TRUE to form this season, the heavens opened and the U13s had a wet, muddy cup game against a strong Kingsbridge side.

Tavistock had a poor start with Kingsbridge running in a fast try, followed three minutes later by a well worked backs move to dot a second.

It was only after ten minutes that the Tavistock forwards started to get into the game and Archie Allen, Olly Noy Scott and Tom McKenzie started to secure the ball.

Tavistock were against the wind and the slope in the first half and despite getting near the Kingsbridge line, some great passing and supporting moves saw the visitors make a third try. Tom Pearson, at scrum half for Tavistock, put in a great kick to sow the seed of doubt into the quick defending Kingsbridge backs and they started to hesitate in moving up so quick. It was 15-0 to the visitors at half time but Tavistock still had belief and the indiscipline of Kingsbridge was showing by giving Tavistock a large number of penalties.

It was Joe Burbage, Peter Bull and John Lord who kept driving Tavistock forward and this produced a great try from a terrific drive over the line eventually grounded by Joe. Now confidence was up with Tavistock, the backs were tackling for all their worth, and starting to see the game turning with Freddie, George and Hunter putting in some great performances.

Zac, Lachlan and Jude tackled superly, nearly getting through the Kingsbridge line on a number of occasions but despite their best efforts Tavistock could not break through. Tavistock kept a clean sheet in the second half but could not quite make up the gap they lost in the first half. They dipped out of this year's cup competition to a strong well drilled side, but they held their heads high with everyone putting in their best effort in a hard fought game.

Okehampton U13s 29

South Molton U13s 19

THIS was a hard fought and close match played out in wet and muddy conditions. Okehampton seized the initiative from the off and their attacking play saw them in the visitors' half for the first 20 minutes of the game.

They were unable to convert this into any points until Daniel picked up the ball from a scrum and wheeled over the line from five metres out for the first try, which was converted by George D. The visitors replied with a return try almost immediately to level the score. Kai had a good first half, playing in an unfamiliar position at number 11, making darting runs to penetrate the defence and gain important ground. Okehampton's second try came from Nathan, following a rolling maul up by the try line from the forwards. Oke continued to pressure the visitors, successfully winning most of the line outs, thanks to good work from Brad B and Alex, but going in at half time 12-7.

Rain hampered the flow in the second half and both sides suffered from handling errors and poor tackling. Dai Chi made a well-timed kick up field, superbly taken by Noah who was tackled before being able to run on and score. The Oke forwards gained steady ground before a pick up by Tom S out of the scrum resulted in another try for Oke.

South Molton replied with another quick try, following a solo run by one of their wingers from his own half, with Oke failing in the tackles. With the score so close, Oke dug deep to win the match. Nathan showed his strength and agility by weaving through and handing off the opposition's defence to go over for another try. Once again, the visitors replied with a third try. Tom S scored his second for Oke, which was converted by Jim to make the final score.

Okehampton U12s 26

Exeter Chiefs U12s 0

POWERFUL forward play led to a great win by the young Okehampton side.  The forwards led by example, taking the game to Exeter and setting some great rucks and mauls as a platform. 

Oke opened up the scoring with a five metre rumble from the back of a ruck by Barnaby Waddell, converted by Joshua Burgoyne.  Exeter came back but strong counter rucking saw Oke going forward again.  This brought the play back into the Exeter half, leading to a penalty.  After a quick play of the ball, Will Cunningham split the Exeter line to touch down in the corner; it was duly converted by James Close.  Oke were by far the superior side, winning line outs and scrums against the head.  Under pressure and struggling to clear their lines Okehampton capitalised on a loose pass, intercepted by Joshua Burgoyne, who showed a clean pair of heals to touch down. Daniel Wonnacott converted. 

The second half ran the same way as the first, with Okehampton retaining around 70 per cent of possession.  Good pressure led to the final score of the game, after slick handling and strong carries by the backs saw Charlie Glanville, at centre, powering his way over to touch down. 

This was a superb all round performance by the whole Okehampton team.

Okehampton U10s 50

South Molton 40

OKEHAMPTON have really stepped up their game and showed real zest right from the off. Clean passing, good positioning, and players with heads down and crashing through defensive lines, combined with some real hard hitting tackles and fast runners made it a pleasure to watch.

This game was so evenly matched with South Molton putting in some really hefty effort in breaking through and scoring but Oke's strength in ripping the ball and turning to our advantage has become a real threat to our opponents lately. With Elliot, Ioan, Joe, Marcus, Morgan, Matt and Jacob consistently scoring tries for Oke and Ethan, Aedan, Cameron, Holly, Isaac, Alex, Alfie and Ioan always hard hitting the team is becoming a well-oiled machine.

Oke players tries from Elliot 2, Ioan, Maruc 2, Jacob 3, Morgan and Matt. Special mentions to Marcus, Matt and Isaac who played for South Molton and to Isaac for scoring two of their tries.

Brixham U9s 35

Okehampton U9s 35

A STICKY pitch was quite a challenge and the game started with Brixham attacking, ploughing through the mud and players to reach the tryline only to drop the ball. Play continued with Will for Oke holding the ball, passing to Adam for an unopposed sprint from one end of the pitch to the other for his first try. He swiftly followed with another.

The Oke defence was strong with Brixham constantly attacking but everyone worked well as a team to keep them at bay. Callum, captain Lachs, Toby, Josh, Shea, and Will were always in the play never letting up and giving 100% for Oke.

All the Oke players tackled well. Ben came on briefly for an injured Toby and scored one try before Toby came back on again. Oke were working hard, using space well to allow Lachs and Callum to score one each. At half time the score was Brixham 0 Oke 25.

The second half saw a change of team for Oke. Ben making some outstanding tackles, constantly reading the game and working hard; he scored one try. Dan powered down the pitch with most of the opposition hanging off him on several occasions, covering valuable ground; one of his runs allowed Flynn to take advantage with a nifty try.

However, Brixham scored seven tries in the second half to share the honours.

Paignton U9s 25

Okehampton U9s 5

PAIGNTON started in a forceful mode but this did not cause the Oke lads to back down. Relentless attacking came from Oke; Paignton thought they had a breakthrough but their player was swiftly bought to a stop from Shea. Oke were definitely the more organised team in this half and one try was scored for them by Adam.

The second half saw Shortie put in a good run, but he was pounced on and could go no further.

Despite the efforts of the Oke boys Paignton scored five tries in the second half to win the match.