Okehampton U16s 35

Exeter/Exmouth Combined U16s 8

THERE was a biting wind which chilled spectators and players alike and it certainly looked liked the cold had got to Okehampton as the first ten minutes saw Exeter attacking with intensity.

They had good rugby from their big pack, while the home side struggled to get going. However Mo Taylor for Oke was inspired putting in tackle after to tackle in a superb defensive display that, along with Ethan Baker, helped stop Exeter converting their pressure into points.

Eventually a good break from full back George Harding took Oke deep into Exeter territory. Some good phases from the forwards eventually saw Tom Arthurs cross, but he was held up. Okehampton were solid in the resulting five-metre scrum, from where Dan Turney wriggled to the line, before popping a cheeky pass to Kai Middleton, who dived over to score.

It was against the run of play, but it was just what the home side needed to help them settle and get going. A few minutes later Oke were on the offensive again, and after some strong rucking Tom Arthurs drove and offloaded to Zac Bell, who grabbed his maiden try for the team. Exeter spent the next five minutes hammering at the Oke defensive line. It did not break, but the visitors won a penalty, which they kicked for three points. Galvanised, Okehampton went back on the attack, and an excellent break from Tom Stevens released Kallum Dennett, who raced over the score a well-worked try for 15-3.

The second half began with Exeter coming out with all guns blazing, their forwards building a bridgehead from which their backs combined to score an excellent try and get within seven points of Oke.

However, Tom Stevens powered his way from the half way line to cross for a superb individual score to give the home side a bit of breathing space. But Exeter kept coming, and it was only because of some sterling defence from Oke, particularly Will Risdon, Joe Stevens, Brad Bourner and George Harding, that kept them at bay. Following a couple of good runs from James Judd and Brad Simmons, Okehampton began to exert some pressure of their own, eventually leading to a fine try from Noah Cracknell, which also saw an Exeter player yellow carded for stamping on him after he’d scored.

A few minutes later, a typically strong charge from George Dickinson saw him cross under the posts to seal the win, 35-8.

This was a good win for Okehampton, especially as they were below par for the early part of the game, but all players should be applauded for another excellent team effort.