Newton Abbot U14s 21

Okehampton U14s 12

ON a sunny day in South Devon Okehampton lost narrowly in this plate quarter final. The recent six week layoff took its toll as Oke failed to capitalise on their forward supremacy.

The visitors started with vigour, but fell behind after allowing the home right winger too much space out wide.

Oke came back strongly though, and a typically rumbustious foray through the centre channel, gave Greg Daniel the Oke's opening score to level things up at 7-7 after Ben McKenna-Smith had added the conversion. The hosts only really threatened when playing with width, and they struck again through their left winger who outpaced the cover defence to make it 14-7 at the break.

Oke used all their replacements, and were rewarded with a try from winger Harry Cole after being set up by Ben Mckenna-Smith. As the game entered the last minutes Oke looked to have snatched the lead after a kick and chase from Leon Horn, but the referee disallowed the touchdown. With time ticking away and Oke on the attack searching for a winning score, the home side attacked from deep and a length of the field effort saw them put the game to bed.

It was a bitter pill to swallow for Oke but the boys will re-group and benefit from the much needed match practice.

Tavistock U13s 41

Western Super Mare U13s 12 

THE rooms, the away fixture, and the perfect weather were all booked and the Tavistock U13s went in high spirits on their 'out on the pier' tour at Western Super Mare. Saturday was filled with touch rugby on the beach and then unlimited rides on the pier and fish and chips.

Tavistock cruised to one of their best and biggest wins this season. Four great tries from Jude White and Connor Baker and two successful conversions for Jack Smyly saw the half time score at 24-0.

An astute half-time substitution by Western, saw them gain two quick tries back but Tavistock adapted their play and scored three more tries from James Paxman. Zac Gorton and Peter Bull.

However, it was not the individual effort that got this big win but it was the whole team effort, the support for team mates and the communication between one another which made such a good performance.

Tom Pearson marshalled the forwards with Jon Lord, Tom McKensie, Olly Noy Scott and Joe Burbage all playing vital roles, and it was Jason Blake, the hooker, who ripped the ball off the opposition and showed the backs how to side step, gaining significant ground.

Luke Lewandowski was key in keeping the backs in their line and brilliantly chipped the ball into opposition space on a number of occasions. It was a great result to cap a great weekend by the seaside for the team.

Newquay RFC U12s 0

Tavistock U12s 28

NEWQUAY kicked off and Ben Mckenzie caught the ball on Tavistock's 15m line and ran it all the way to the opposition 5m line before a concerted tackling effort floored him. The tone was set and Tavistock took the fight to the opposition with an as yet unseen precision.

The Tavistock pack stepped up and gave Newquay a hard time in both set piece and breakdown and the backs pounced mercilessly on  the opposition passing in the loose. Quick ball from scrum halves Dan Pett and Tom Persse kept Tavistock moving forward  and the cool distribution from fly half Harry Edwards gave Tavistock the chance to push Newquay wide — opening up space for Henry Varndall-Dawes to score twice.

A third try came after some patient rucking down the middle, opened up a gap for lock Matt Davey to power through and race for the sticks. Newquay tried valiantly to clear their lines with some long kicks , only to find James White running the ball back at them.

Playing uphill in the second half saw Tavistock's pressure drop enough to give the sharp Newquay backs more space to show their flair and created a more even game in the loose. However, after prop Jaxom Cann was held up twice in quick succession, Tavistock span the ball wide from the 5m scrum for Henry to complete his hat trick in the corner. Kiran Warner showed his adaptability on the wing, making telling runs and some smart handling along with a solid stint at prop. James Roiseter and Harry Richardson drove the Tavistock engine room, with Edward Tait earning man of the match for his go forward, his tackling and ruck work in midfield.

Tavistock U9s 50

Plymstock u9s 55

A SUNNY morning and perfect conditions greeted both teams. The opening attack came from Tavistock but it was the visitors that scored first. Matthew D equalised matters after a long looping run. Both teams were evenly matched and there was some inspired tackling from Tavistock, especially from Eddie and Matthew B. It was nip and tuck and neither team could assert. It was quite a free flowing game with both teams making full use of their possession. Matthew D scored another two tries, Luke T added two of his own with  one being noteworthy in how he broke away from attempted tackles. Seb and Fin crossed the line twice and Ben utilised his direct running skill to add to the tally. Plymstock narrowly outscored the home team and the first game ended 50-55

Tavistock U9s 35

Plymstock U9s 30

THE second game initially saw Tavistock in a more positive frame of mind. Eddie opened the scoring but Plymstock quickly evened the score. Tavistock were leaving gaps at their flanks and Plymstock were making large gains as a result. The visitors were able to score virtually uncontested on a couple of occasions as Tavistock looked weary and were dropping off the tackles.

The home team regained their composure as they began to pass more and gave themselves room to manoeuvre. Ben made a long incisive dash to the line and although tackled he had the fine support of Dylan who crossed the line to start the comeback. Once again it was evenly matched. Fin added his own score as did Chris . Matthew D score twice as Tavistock pipped the visitors.

Okehampton U9s 65

Barnstaple U9s 60

SAUL captained the Okehampton first team and performed well, scoring eleven tries. He worked hard covering much of the pitch and at times appeared to be unstoppable.

Dan tackled well for Oke and accepted some well timed passes from both Jacob and Archie G.

Alex and Saul jointly made a try saving tackle preventing the visitors from scoring, and Jacob kept the pressure on causing a keen Barnstaple player to misjudge the touchline and his foot just slip out.

In the second half Dan again passed well for Oke, made a sterling run only to be tackled near the try line. Finn made some great tackles and scored a try. Alex also played his part in scoring a try.

Okehampton U9s 15

Barnstaple U9s 45

CALLUM captained Okeagainst a strong and well drilled team. Oke were tackling well but Barnstaple had a strong defence .

The game was hit by a few injuries for the home team causing Saul to come back on and score all three tries for Oke. Will and Josh tackled well but the visitors performed well.

No matter how much Okehampton tried they just could not quite get it together.

Plymstock Albion

Oaks U7s 7 tries

Tavistock U7s 1 try

THESE were much more physical games than the Tavistock boys and girl were used to and PAO are by far the toughest side they had faced this season. However the Tavistock U7s produced some great runs and did well with their tagging this week, so should be proud despite the defeat.

In the first game there were some really good passing and tagging in this game. Tavistock worked their line well, defending from the beginning. Plymstock were quick to snatch up any loose ball. But even quicker was William TY, who ran through for Tavistock's only one this game. Charlie and Lex worked well together to take some good tags, but they just were not able to turn them into tries.

PAO U7s 7 tries

Tavistock U7s 4 tries

THERE was a lot of fine running, particularly from player of the week Finlay, who touched down the first try. Really good passing along the line from all players, showed they could work well as a team. William A burst through with two really good tries and most improved player Michael found a bit of space sneaking round the back of Plymstock to touch down his try.

PAO U7s 8 tries

Tavistock U7s 2 tries

TAVISTOCK had to dig deep against this Plymstock side, who put on a lot of pressure, touching down try after try. When they found space though, they used it well. Tom made a great run passing to William TY to score. Lex did well taking some great tags and there was some great running and passing between the TavIstock boys. Lewis snatched the ball just before the line after a series of good passes to score taking Tavistock's total in this game to two.

PAO U7s 7 tries

Tavistock 4 tries

MATTHEW scored the first try for the visitors, running the whole length of the pitch to touch down in the corner. Tavistock were very determined despite the Plymstock strength and put together a series of good passes which Michael maximised with a try. Finlay and JJ both used their pace to touch down a try each.

PAO U7s 8 tries

Tavistock 8 tries

A MUCH higher scoring game this one with Tavistock using their strength and pace to greater advantage, There were some great runs from the try scorers, Jack (3), Edward (4) and Nathan (1).

Good team work meant that as well as taking some good tags, the town boys also worked well together to pass the ball around, with Joe working particularly hard.

PAO U7s 7 tries

Tavistock U7s 7 tries

SOME superb passing resulted in Nathan getting his hat trick, and Jack and Gabriel to score. Again this Tavistock side took advantage of their pace to really run at Plymstock, in a much more evenly matched game. A superb swerving run from Alastair saw him touch down too.   There were some great tags from Tavistock as well.

Okehampton U7s 18 tries

Barnstaple U7s 22

THIS match was as pleasing as the weather!  Barnstaple started the stronger team, and went three tries up in a short space of time.  

Oke then got together as a team to get back. into the game. Barnstaple were quick on the ground and in the end came out winners.  

Superb tries by Hector (10), James (4), Ciaran (2), Lily (1), Wilf (1) and tireless running by Amy.

Okehampton U7s 24 tries

Barnstaple U7s 21 tries

THE other Oke team were keen from the start, moving well as a unit and Barnstaple came at them with quick passes and running, but Oke held firm, broke well and won a tight match.

It was a superb debut by Freddie (10) tries, Robbie (5), Jacob (4), Rocco (4), Todd (1), and strong running from Ellie, setting up several of the tries.