Tavistock/Teignmouth U16s 7

Okehampon U16s 33

DUE to the terrible recent weather, this was Okehampton’s first game for several weeks and the resultant expected rustiness played its part.

The Okes slowly got on top against a much improved Tavy/Teigns outfit and were 19 points up at the interval after three first half tries. Forward power paved the way for the Okes’ victory as the backs struggled to handle fluently in the sticky conditions.

The opening score was a collector’s item, as a rare score for hooker Adam Wonnacott broke the deadlock — the number two powering over from short range after good work by Greg Daniel and Harry Cole in the preceding build up.

An almost carbon copy soon followed as the returning Rioux Thomas, having another impressive outing in the engine room, drove over from an attacking ruck. Ben Mckenna-Smith added the conversion.

The final try of the first half came right on the whistle, as prop George Ogbourne forced his way over for a well deserved five pointer, which was also converted by Ben Mckenna-Smith.

Playing with the slope in the second period, Oke carried on where they left off as they secured plenty of turnover ball and dominated territorially. Number eight Greg Daniel extended the Okes’ lead after a forceful foray up the left flank, his try being well converted by Ben Mckenna-Smith to take the lead to 26-0.

Play then became bogged down for long periods in midfield before the fifth and final Oke try arrived. A textbook catch and drive line out proved to be an irresistible force, as it rumbled over the Tavistock line leaving George Ogbourne with a simple score from the back of the rolling maul. Once more Mckenna-Smith was deadly from the kicking tee and it was game over at 33-0.

To Tavistock/Teignmouth’s credit they responded well and fought to the end, finishing with a well deserved consolation score right on the final whistle.

It was a decent win for the visitors as they hope to go on a run in this stop-start campaign.

Devonport Services U15s 34

Tavistock U15s 31

IN surprisingly glorious sunshine, Tavistock played Devonport at Keyham. It was a tremendous game with both teams showing superb skills.

Two quick tries in the first ten minutes from Devonport saw them quickly lead by 12 points and created the feel of a possible whitewash for the visitors. Tavistock, however, started to keep possession and the forwards, led by Jon Lord, worked the ball via Robin Bickleigh and Laurence Stewart to let Toby Teague score in the corner. Josh Davies then hit the post from a difficult conversion angle.

It was now the turn of the Tavistock backs to work the ball; it went via Zac Gorton, Luke Lewandowski and onto Josh, who was tackled 10 yards out from the line but released the ball to Freddie Williams to run round to score under the posts. The sides were now level.

It was nip and tuck for the next 20 minutes, then Devonport managed to score but not convert and a great pass from Freddie to Josh, again saw Tavistock score but with no conversion it was 17-17 at half time and nothing to split the teams.

A try for Tavistock in the corner from Freddie and a superb conversion from Josh put Tavistock in the lead, but good support work by Devonport led to a try, which again was not converted for 25-22 to Tavistock.

Another try and conversion was scored by Josh, after the scrum had secured the ball via Archie Allen and Jason Blake, and a quick ball out from the Tavistock scrum half Tom Pearson. The visitors now led 31-22.

Devonport scored a converted try to cut the lead to two points. Tavistock were camped on the Devonport line with a minute to go; however, they lost possession and a quick break, with plenty of support, saw Devonport score to win by three points.

It was one of the best and most competitive games of the season and the Tavistock team should be proud of being part of such a great game.