Okehampton U16s 17

Bideford U16s 7

THIS was the last game for Okehampton in the first phase of the Fisherman's

Cup. Oke applied the pressure straight from the kick off and did not let Bideford out of their own 22 for the first 10 minutes. Bideford defended well to stop Okehampton from scoring, and then an interception for the visitors allowed them to break out of their own 22. Bideford began to work through several phases of play and managed to get it wide to their winger who ran in to score in the corner.

The game started to be strewn with errors with a lot of passes getting dropped. Okehampton scored next after their full back Daniel Thorne picked up a loose ball to run in and score under the post and the first half finished 7-7.

The second half continued like the first half very evenly contested. Okehampton were awarded a penalty and elected to kick for goal which was successful to give them a slender three point lead.

This is how it stayed until five minutes from the end when Okehampton scored their second try to make the final score 17-7. This was another hard fought win for Oke.

Tavistock U16s 55

Devonport Services U16s 5

TAVISTOCK put a depleted Services side to the sword on a wind swept morning at Sandy Park. Ethan Lamerton opened the home side's account finishing off a flowing move involving forwards and backs. He soon added a second breaking free and running clear from deep within his own half. Ben Milligan added the conversion.

Prop Ben Luke showed his power and pace returning the kick off when he caught the ball, side stepped a defender then sprinted down the touchline to score. Services, who were missing key players, bounced back with a score from Tavistock fullback Bernie Sadler, who generously guested for the away side.

Chris Watts kicked cleverly out of hand and distributed the ball at fly half excellently; with him inside centre Ben Milligan and scrum half Dan Willis all looked to get the ball wide early. Sean Donnelly broke clear and made a strong hand off before powering over into the right hand corner.

Follow winger Billy McNicol scored for Tavistock after some slick handling from George Murrain, Scott Morris and Steve Kirby. This was shortly followed by a fine individual score from Will Gardner, who sprinted home from the half way line; Ben Milligan added the extras.

Sean Donnelly waded in with his second after diving on a kick; Ben Milligan converted. Ethan Lamerton completed his hat trick in style, again running in from deep before Sean Donnelly completed his after another fine run and fend. Milligan added two further conversions.

Devonport U14s 46

Okehampton U14s 14

THIS was a disappointing defeat for Okehampton at the hands of ana ccomplished, strong Devonport team that has only lost one match this season. 

Okehampton were still short of players through injury and the side was reduced to 14.  Devonport sportingly loaned a player but Oke had the worst possible start conceding a try within the first minute.  This early score stunned the boys, and it was not long before Devonport claimed another seven points from a well-worked try and conversion.  

There were glimpses of the rugby Okehampton are capable of, but for the first half they never got going, whereas Devonport tightened their grip on the match with controlled, simple rugby and by utilising their strong runners to exploit Okehampton's weaknesses on the wings. There was a flash of brilliance from Oke's Daichi Budiman with a clever kick and chase that allowed him to grab a try close to half-time, converted by Mo Taylor, to leave the score at the break 22-7. 

The second half saw Oke at last begin to gel.  There were some good phases of play and the boys spent more time in Devonport territory, but the home side absorbed the pressure, breaking out to open up their lead with another three tries. 

Oke never gave up though and were rewarded with a score after the forwards worked hard to drive deep into Devonport's half, setting up a ruck from which Nathan Tomkins sucked in players to create some space before he off-loaded beautifully to Daichi who dived over for his second try, which was converted by Mo.  Devonport were not finished, however, and once more their fast winger ran through to score a final try to seal their win. 

Devonport Services U13s 5

Okehampton U13s 48

THIS was a game of two halves.  The first few minutes saw Okehampton 5-0 up, following a break from Barnaby Waddell, who neatly offloaded to Daniel Tomkins to cross the line.

The remainder of the first half saw Okehampton looking a little slow, being out scrummaged and out rucked by a strong Devonport pack, who were rewarded for their efforts by a try after 20 minutes. 

As half time approached, a quick tap and go, fed to the aptly named Greg Haste to score, put Okehampton ahead at the break. 

The second half saw Oke come out wide awake, determined and finding their stride, with huge improvement from the forwards in the scrums and rucks, allowing the backs time and space, which they utilised to the full. 

Six well worked, tries were scored - the first after five minutes when quick ruck ball saw Joshua Burgoyne dummy his way over the line. Slick ball through the hands of the backs saw Greg Haste over for his second.  Great pressure in the ruck from Okehampton gave them a penalty, with a quick tap and go from Daniel Tomkins, onto Olly Northcott to score. 

Now confidently on a roll, Oke won the restart with Daniel Tomkins gaining ground, well supported by James Close, to put Barnaby Waddell over the line.  The game was rounded off by tries from Joshua McCulloch and, to complete his hat trick, Greg Haste.  Conversions came from James Close (2) and Daniel Wonnacott (2). 

Paignton U11s 4 tries

Okehampton U11s 7 tries

OKEHAMPTON had their best performance of the season against a Paignton side short of numbers. Some Okes players sportingly agreed to join the Paignton team.

Oke started well and moved the ball well to send Jacob and Cameron over for tries. The side held good defence with Elliot, Morgan and Marcus tackling well in the back line. Further tries from Alex and Elliot put Okes in a commanding lead.

Joe and Matt played well with some good catches and kicking at the right times to keep Paignton on the back foot. Some loose defending allowed Paignton back in the game to bring the score to 5-4 but some good running with the ball from Alfie, Sam and Holly made some good ground and closed in on the Paignton try line. Luke and Freddie are proving great additions to the team with some good positional play.

At times Seth and Isaac were showing promising signs of a good partnership in the rucks to keep the ball and Aedan picked the ball up to link the backs. Further tries for Jacob  put Okes 6-4 in front and the best move of the match saw Okes showing good support on the wing with Marcus and Jacob exchanging passes and Isaac coming through to collect and score. Oke tries: Jacob 3, Alex, Cameron, Elliot and Isaac.

Tavistock U10s

Stonehouse Sharks U10s

BOTH teams should be applauded for the effort and commitment shown playing a match that took place in cold, wet and windy conditions although honours in the end went to the visiting Stonehouse Sharks.

The pattern of the match was established early on as the biggest player on the pitch bulldozed through the Tavistock defence for an early try.  Tavistock struggled to get a grip on their opponents in these tricky conditions.

Despite seeing a lot of ball Tavistock were unable to make inroads into the Stonehouse defence as  Tavistock were consistently out muscled at the breakdown and Stonehouse were able to convert this pressure into regular scoring opportunities.

A brief period of better Tavistock play saw some good passing which released Matthew  to open the home team's account, but the response from Stonehouse was immediate.  The Tavistock boys kept their heads up - Ben made an excellent drive putting Stonehouse on the back foot, and their determination was again rewarded as Ryan pounced on a loose ball and could not be caught, sprinting three quarters of the length of the pitch to score. At half time Stonehouse enjoyed a commanding lead.

The second half was a similar story,  with Tavistock squandering many of the attacking opportunities that they created. However, with James L, Luke and Finlay working really well in defence Stonehouse found it harder to score.

Tavistock's best move of the game was rewarded with a try when Matthew took a ball at speed and crashed over the line.  However it was too little, too late as Stonehouse extended their lead with a brace of late tries.  

Paignton U10s 30

Okehampton U10s 45

OKEHAMPTON's captain was Jacob in a somewhat physically and mentally demanding game. 

The visitors started off slowly although Toby was tackling well throughout the game, never being afraid to get in and get the ball.  Adam and Lachs were for Oke chasing well and almost hunting down whoever had the ball.  Paignton had a strong defence, but Oke kept the pressure on, particularly Shortie, Callum and Saul.  Callum had a positive input throughout the game.  There were a lot of dropped balls from both teams, but they just scooped them up and carried on.  Josh made a great tackle near the touchline and slowed down the attacking player.  Tries for Oke in this half were scored by Adam, Saul and Lachs to Paignton's one.

In the second half Adam for Oke charged one of Paignton's nippier players into touch.

The half saw a lot of mistakes by Oke.  However, Saul and Will found a great partnership and worked well together supporting each other throughout — with  Saul scoring a great try. Paignton quickly retaliated scoring scored a further three tries. Flynn showed some quick work from the scrums for Oke while Finn and Will jointly performed a try saving tackle close to the tryline. 

Will also scored one try in the sticky mud.

Paignton U10s 20

Okehampton U10s 50

LACHS and Callum looked for each other in this match for Oke and this was evident throughout.  Shea kept the pressure on from the scrums.  Adam tackled into touch; a wild throw from Paignton did not go to plan.  Josh wrestled to get the ball which was then dropped and quickly picked up by Adam to score one of his two tries.  Lachs caught a lucky bounce passed to Callum, who returned it to him and on to score his third try.  Saul took off from one end of the pitch to the other for his try. Toby did great work in the rucks for Oke while Saul scored the third of his three tries. 

Another maul kept things moving and a well deserved try for Will.  This match certainly saw the Oke players hold their heads high and play well to their strengths.  Oke kept the pressure on and improved because of this.

Devonport Services U9s 1 try

Tavistock A U9s 2 tries

THIS was a close affair with some good play by both sides. Devonport had the best chance early in the game but for a try saving tackle by Archie Wall. Tavistock made the breakthrough with a good powerful try by Ted Wilkinson. Devonport drew level just before half time. The second half was just as close, however a run by Laird Whitford ended in him scoring a try and a victory for Tavistock.

Devonport U9s 4 tries

Tavistock B U9s 3 tries

THE second game was more open. Devonport took an early lead with two quick tries. Strong tackling by Sam Palmer prevented the score for Devonport being higher. Tries for Tavistock by Joshua Bailey, Laird Whitford and Sam Hunter were not enough though to stop Devonport Services winning after they scored a further two tries.

Paignton U9s 12 tries

Okehampton U9s 13 tries

THE first quarter started with Paignton on the attack and they quickly scored two tries before Oke Blue defence started to make inroads and play their own game with Oliver making some good runs.

In the second quarter the Oke Reds started well with Grady putting in a great run down the wing to score in the corner. This was followed by two more tries by the Reds before Paignton replied.

Jack W put in some great work for Oke in the loose to pick up and score. Oke Blues started the third quarter more fired up and were putting some big hits in and getting turn over ball which was finished by Harry and Max B. The last quarter was the highest scoring one with six tries each as both sides fell off the tackles and defensive errors led to tries. There were some great tackles from the Okehampton boys who are improving every week and had to work hard to keep their unbeaten start going. There is plenty to work to do in training with defensive lines and better support to the ball carrier.

Oke tries by Grady (6), Cain (2), Max B, Oliver, Thomas J, Harry and Tyler. Oke players of the match Max B and Jack W.

Tavistock U8s 9 tries

Stonehouse Sharks U8s 6 tries

TAVISTOCK took the opportunity to hone their skills against the Sharks and show off some fine running rugby.There were some excellent tags taken too as the team really dominated.

Wiliam T-Y and Dom were strong in the Tavistock defence.

There was some great teamwork from Joe H and James C and Charlie, who made an excellent run after picking up a loose ball. Most improved player Gabriel scored a hat-trick of tries, as did Nathan. Tom scored two and Max one.

Tavistock U8s 7 tries

Stonehouse Sharks U8s 5 tries

WITH some excellent tagging the Tavistock team won possession several times by taking six tags in a row.

The boys showed some good running rugby and looked out for their teammates who were waiting to support.

Superb rugby from player of the week Joe M who made some great runs and scored two tries. William A and Matthew were strong again and also both scored twice. There was good support play from George, Austin and William S and Alastair took some good tags. Lewis made some good runs and was rewarded with a try.