Okehampton U16s 37

Totnes U16s 0

OKEHAMPTON kept up their recent good form with another satisfying win in ‘glue pot’ conditions.

Oke had to play short to even up the side as Totnes arrived with only 13 players. This, combined with a sticky, muddy pitch, resulted in a scrappy first 20 minutes. Eventually Oke began to get on top up front against their resolute opponents, and opened the scoring after 21 minutes through a well struck Ben Mckenna-Smith penalty goal.

Oke made too many errors in the early stages and needed a spark of inspiration to bring their first try. It came in the form of prop George Ogbourne who went on the first, of what was to be many, barnstorming runs that cut the Tones defence to shreds. He was eventually hauled down, but the ball was moved effectively to the left where centre Ben Mckenna Smith crashed over to make it 8-0 after 37 minutes. Then, just before the break, Oke struck a crucial blow with the  best team score of the match. It was all started by another George Ogbourne charge in centre field, good recycling and support by Ryan Crosby and Ollie Arden resulted in scrum half Corey Holliday scoring  wide out. The conversion was missed , but at 13-0 with slope and wind advantage second half, Okes were in command.

The second half was  a one sided affair as Totnes struggled manfully but were unable to escape the muddy confines of their own half. Oke tries came at regular intervals, the first of which was scored by captain Ethan Hoggins who hit an unstoppable line to crash over from short range. Next up was flanker Jack Ogbourne, ever in support the back rower took a great line to power over, after more good set up work from his namesake George. Ben Mckenna-Smith added the extra two this time with a fine touchline conversion.  

Oke continued to ring the changes personnel wise, but the pattern remained the same as Oke added another score, this time a well deserved solo effort for man of the match George Ogbourne who charged in under the posts, Ben Mckenna -Smith again converting to make it 32-0.

The final score went to new winger Cameron Matthew, who again showed good pace and strength to cross for his second try for the club in the bottom right corner. So after a sluggish start, this was another comprehensive win for the boys as they strive to reach the end of season play offs.