Okehampton U16 33

Barnstaple U16s 14

OKEHAMPTON U16s’ performance against a determined Barnstaple side certainly was not pretty, with a lot of mistakes and an inability to convert pressure into points — although they did get the job done.

Barnstaple kicked off and the first quarter saw both sides slugging it out in midfield, making forays into each other’s territory. Eventually the deadlock was broken when Oke’s Marcus Hayes made an excellent jinking run before off loading to Noah Cracknell, who dodged tackles to score. Ewan Northcott converted.

Barnstaple replied soon after, slipping through some weak Oke defence for a converted try.

Oke fought well to get back into Barnstaple’s 22, but could not capitalise on their efforts until finally a solid scrum five metres out allowed number eight Will Risdon to pick and go and score to edge Oke ahead. Almost immediately, however, Oke capitulated and allowed Barnstaple to hit back. The visitors’ number 12 broke out from their 22 and raced the length of the field, spinning out of some soft Okehampton tackles to link with a supporting runner, who scored beneath the posts. The try was converted and the visitors were ahead 12-14 at half time.

The home side had the wind at their backs for the second half, and full back James Judd produced a superb turn of speed to run 60 metres to score an excellent try after 90 seconds.

Oke’s lead was extended straight away when Barney Waddell set off from 50 metres out to score a superb try.

After this initial flourish, Okehampton started to stutter again and while there was some great individual work going on, there was very little team coherence. The visitors pressed, but Okes’ defence held.

Some poor decision making saw Oke mired in their own half but they finally pulled their socks up and good hands along the line saw the ball come to George Dickinson, who ran down the right wing to score and ensure victory.

This was a scrappy effort, but despite the wobbles Oke still produced some good phases of play and got valuable game time as they prepare for the deciding match that could see them reach the Fisherman’s League Plate final.

Okehampton U15s 12

Barnstaple U15s 20

OKEHAMPTON travelled to Barnstaple with only the bare XV, to play in very windy conditions. 

Barnstaple played with the advantage of the elements in the first half and opened the scoring after five minutes. 

The visitors replied with some great attacking play, strong defence , with the forwards hitting the rucks hard against a bigger Barnstaple side.  

Forwards Jordan Hill, Charlie Glanville, James Stevens, Matthew Denning, Sonny Luxton, Seb Haste, Jack Rutley and Saul Holliday all put in big games while backs Will Cunningham, Joshua McCulloch, Cole Pengelly, Joshua Burgoyne, Michael Stevens, George Cox and Greg Haste supported in attack and defence. 

As half time approached Barnstaple managed to break through twice to see them 17-0 up.

Not allowing their heads to drop, Okehampton continued the second half with the same positive attitude, taking the game to Barum and were rewarded 20 minutes in with a try from Jack Rutley.

Keeping the pressure up, and despite a few unlucky decisions against them, with Seb Haste denied a ’try’, the young Okes kept pushing forward, securing their second try by Jordan Hill minutes later, and bringing the score to 17-12.  As the game drew to a close, Barnstaple were awarded a penalty, which they converted, securing a closely fought victory at 20-12. 

This was a much improved performance from Okehampton, who were unlucky not to come away with a win and a game which they should all be proud. 

Okehampton U12s 10

Minchinhampton

U12s 25

OKEHAMPTON U12s welcomed touring team Minchinhampton from Gloucester to the club.

Oke player Chris volunteered to play for the visitors as they were short of players.

Minchinhampton were all over the Oke lads right from the start causing them to make multiple errors, missed tackles and general panic.

They made great inroads to the Oke defence from the start with two quick tries, the first one scored by a dummy move which Oke fell for. The second half saw Oke up their game, but not enough, The home side scored one try through Callum and also touched down, after being under a pile of bodies, for his second try. The visitors responded with another three tries scored.

There were some injuries for both teams.

OKEHAMPTON U9s were well represented at the Barnstaple tournament fielding two teams.

After a slightly lethargic start to the event both teams grew in stature to play some wonderful flowing rugby. They showed superb application in both defence and attack against much bigger teams, and their overall team spirit and attitude to the game were a great credit to the club.

Okehampton enjoyed notable victories over Barnstaple, Newquay and Ilfracombe with tries from Jacob, Charlie, Dylan, Lily, Wilf, Ewan, Ciaran, Thomas and Rocco.