Devonport U16s 10

Okehampton U16s 12

WITH heavy rain falling steadily, conditions were not conducive to free running rugby. The home side kicked off and began an assault on Okehampton that lasted virtually the whole first half. The Okes’ defence, however, was outstanding. Tackling was relentless and top drawer, with the whole team fighting tooth and nail to keep Devonport out.

Player of the match Brad Bourner was everywhere, scrapping for the ball and digging at the rucks. But nothing should be taken away from the rest of Okehampton’s rear guard; all of who played a vital role in keeping the home side at bay for so long. But there was only so much pressure they could soak up, and eventually Devonport managed to dot down twice to take a 10-point lead. The Okes did not let their heads drop, and slowly began to fight back, breaking out of their half to mount some attacks of their own, with some superb ball carrying from Dan Turney, Will Risdon and Ethan Baker.

Just before half time, captain Ewan Baker had to leave the field with an ankle injury. The last play of the half saw Oke win a scrum. Mo Taylor got the ball out to George Dickinson, who set off on a run from inside his 22; he handed off two pursuers before touching down between the uprights. He drop-kicked his conversion as Oke reduced the lead to 10-7.

The second half got underway with Oke clearly fired up and determined. Having also lost reliable centre Brad Simmons and forward Barney Waddell, the odds were stacking up against the visitors, but once more the team closed ranks and dug deep to put together a series of good phases, as well as continuing to good defence.

The half continued with both sides slogging it out until, with a few minutes left, Oke won a scrum near Devonport’s 22. Taylor drove, with support from Risdon and Bourner, carrying the ball closer to the line. From the next ruck scrum half James McCulloch launched a cross-field kick that was caught by Dickinson. He slipped through one tackle, handed off three more Devonport defenders and crashed down in the corner to score. 10-12. With the conversion missed, the closing seconds remained tense and the game ended, unfortunately, with full back George Harding taking a knock to the head.

Despite the low-key finish to the match, there was no denying the joy Okehampton showed at the final whistle, and they all deserve huge praise for their gutsy, team performance to win this epic battle in the mud.