ORGANISED by OCRA and Tavistock Rugby Club the West Devon primary schools tag rugby tournament was a big hit with all those taking part.

The hosts, Tavistock College, also supplied the referees, who were sixth formers at the college, for this exciting, fast flowing tag rugby tournament that decided the West Devon champions.

Pool one was tight with two points separating first and fourth teams and decided on tries scored. The small school of Meavy surprised everyone by beating the favourites, South Tawton 8-5 in the first game then Whitchurch 6-4 in their second. Bridestowe made sure it was not a clean sweep by then beating them 6-5, their only win in three matches. South Tawton beat Bridestowe 9-3 and Whitchurch 11-8 to top the table on try difference over Meavy. Whitchurch beat Bridestowe 7-5, to make the pool stage close.

Pool two was also a close run affair with St Andrew's beating Northlew 4-3 and Horrabridge 6-2 but losing to Okehampton 7-4 in the final match. Northlew beat Horrabridge 6-5 and drew 5-5 with Okehampton. Okehampton also beat Horrabridge and went through to the semi-finals with eight points to St Andrew's seven.

Both semi-finals were exciting and fast flowing with the teams' and, indeed, the referees' fitness levels being tested. Okehampton eventually beat Meavy 4-3 and South Tawton won over St Andrew's 8-7 to make the final match Okehampton v South Tawton.

South Tawton started the stronger and scored two tries quickly without response but then Okehampton came back and the rest of the game was tight, with good defensive play from both teams. The final result was 5-3 to South Tawton.

The trophy and medals were presented to the winners and runners up by Stuart Lord of OCRA and thanks were given to the excellent hard working referees Adam Williams and Morgan Warnett.

South Tawton now go on to the regional competition at Cullompton RFC as West Devon champions.

Tavistock Area Schools next sporting festival is The Dartmoor Cup cricket competition, with the first round being played at Whitchurch Wayfarers Cricket Club on Tuesday, May 19.