THE U13s welcomed touring team Minchinhampton who came with 28 players to play under floodlights at North Tawton on Friday evening. Okehampton were helped out by their friends from South Molton. A great atmosphere was created by players and spectators alike on a chilly evening

The game was keen from the start with Oke’s Ed, Josh and Alex tackling constantly. Minchinhampton scored an early but not easy try with Luther hanging on to his ankles and being dragged to the tryline. Play soon found its way back towards the tryline but Adam made a long dart along the touchline to halfway and just passed before being tackled into touch.

Oke kept the pressure on and the visitors started to use their quick players more to weave around the pitch. Dan and Callum worked hard. Minchinhampton were passing well but Oke pressure caused them to make mistakes.

The second quarter opened with Craddy tackling well and the visitors were passing across the pitch. The visitors held on to the ball on the floor and one of their players burst through but was held up by a try saving tackle from Lachs.

Minchinhampton tried to use their forwards to barge through but Oke stood firm. The visitors knocked on, Oke won the scrum and were passing well but Minchinhampton kept persisting and managed to sprint through for a try. They kicked to restart straight to Alex who was soon tackled, Minchinhampton scooped the ball and ran with Alex still hot on their heels. A couple more scrums followed with Tom ripping the ball. Again Oke’s pressure caused Minchinhampton to step into touch. Adam tackled and quickly scooped the ball before being tackled himself; a maul followed, and Lachs picked the ball and charged but could not break through.

The third quarter saw more fresh players from both teams and the visitors soon scored. Will B was pounding the ground well for Oke while Reuben was supporting throughout.The final quarter saw some great phases of play.

All the players thoroughly enjoyed the match albeit it was wet and muddy.