Okehampton U16s 7

Tiverton U16s 12

THIS game doubled up as a league and cup game. This game was tight and in the opening 20 minutes both teams had their chances, but it was Tiverton who scored first after stretching the Oke defence to score a try in the corner.

Okehampton had several scrums close to the Tiverton line, but every time they looked like they were going to score, Tiverton kept them out.

Eventually after a sustained spell of pressure Joe Mawle crashed over near the post to score a try for Okehampton, which was converted by James Bowden to give Oke the lead 7-5 at half time. The second half was no different and remained very close. Both teams had their chances in this tight game, but after a quick throw in by Tiverton they sent the ball out wide and ran in to score in the corner.

Okehampton did not give up and for the last five minutes of the match were camped on the Tiverton try line looking for the equalising try, but unfortunately it never came and their cup run came to an end.

This was a great committed performance by Okehampton and they can be very proud of their performance in a cracking game of rugby played by two very committed sides.

Bideford U14s 34

Okehampton U14s 17

WITH eight players ruled out through injury Okehampton took on a side which was physically strong and skilful.

The Oke boys did not seem daunted, however, and started with great determination, with some fearless tackling and good work in the scrum. This early pressure was rewarded when quick hands from a ruck saw the ball come out to Noah Cracknell who was able to sprint for the line and give the visitors n a confidence-boosting score.

From the kick-off, however, Bideford swiftly equalised and tTwo more scores came in quick succession as the home side took a 15-5 lead. The Oke boys continued to battle and look for an opening, but some weak tackling allowed one of Bideford's big, powerful runners to storm down the wing to score and a rout was on the cards as Okehampton conceded another try to trail 29-5 at half-time.

With Bideford full of confidence it was difficult to see how the visitors could find a way back into the game, but they came out after the break with real purpose.

From the first scrum of the half the boys drove towards the Bideford line where great support in the ruck allowed Daniel Tomkins to pick up and score from a couple of metres out. Josh McCulloch also put in a towering performance with some superb tackling against some big players.

The whole team was working hard, however, and suddenly Bideford were not having it all their own way. Yet, they delivered another blow, stealing the ball from a ruck to score again. At 34-10 the game seemed out of Okehampton's reach, but the boys continued to pressure the opposition.

At the final whistle the referee punished some unsportsmanlike behaviour from a Bideford player by awarding Okehampton a penalty. From the tap, the ball was spun out along the line to Noah who used his strength and speed to break through and give Okehampton a consolation try. Considering this was an under-strength team, and despite some below par rugby and silly, unnecessary indiscipline, the boys should be commended for playing with such conviction and spirit when the odds were against them.

Devonport Services U13s 0

Tavistock U13s 50

FROM the kick off Services showed their mettle by hitting the rucks hard to secure and turnover possession.

However, two minutes in and Tavistock woke up, competed hard, stole the ball and fed it wide for Henry Varndell-Dawes to run in behind the posts for Tavistock's first. After more patient work Henry was released twice again after a line-out steal and some silky hands from Dan Pett out of a tackle.

The Tavistock pack adjusted to the Services' rucking with James Roissetter picking up after a smash clearance by Ollie Sampson and scoring a well deserved try.

Jack Bellamy, Ben McKenzie and Matt Davey also made good ground, putting Services on the back foot leaving Henry to finish the half with  his fourth.

The second half saw Services use their large squad to put fresh legs on, but Tavistock were in no mood to allow a comeback and Harry Richardson benefitted from the intense pressure by using a knock on advantage to drive through to score.

The odd missed tackle almost allowed Services through but dogged defence kept the sheet clean. Hooker Sennen Bench fed Jaxom Cann at the front of a four player,  5m lineout for him to take three defenders over the line, quickly followed by Noah Berridge and Matt Davey combining to pressure the Services' fly half, a steal and a rip by Noah to score again.

The game was sealed by the try with Ben McKenzie, Jack Bellamy, James Roisseter and Henry Varndell-Dawes all combining and off loading to release Owen Staples in the corner. Tom Persse bossed the game at scrum half and fly half Harry Edwards' boot was used to great effect to pin Services back and to convert.

This was another big step forward on the teamwork ladder and second clean sheet in two weeks.

BidefordU11s 10 tries

Oke U11s 2 tries

THE game started evenly with both teams trying to pressurise each other into mistakes with Seth, Isaac and Alfie for Okehampton showing support in the rucks. When Oke passed the ball out wide through Joe, Jacob and eventually to Morgan he scored a well worked try. The Oke players are starting to understand their roles as forwards and backs and the need to work as a team as some of the defensive play was encouraging.

There were good tackles from Ioan, Elliot, Freddie and Luke as Bideford used some strong runners to try and break through the Oke defence.

Later in the game some good work around the rucks by Aidan started to show the benefits of getting the ball out to the backs as Sam scored a second well worked try on the wing. There was some strong running with the ball from both Matt and Alex later in the game but Oke could not find the try line again.

Oke player of the match went to Matt for a good all round display with his running and tackling.

Devonport U10s

Tavistock U10s

THE home team bagged two early tries and Tavistock struggled to get a foothold against a strong defensive line. 

Eddie, Luke and Dylan for Tavistock put in some great tackles but the home team's tries continued to come thick and fast.

After a good run from Eddie, passing  to Luke and through to Chris , Tavistock finally were rewarded with a single try in the first half.

Tavistock rallied in the second half but still failed to capitalise on the few errors that Devonport made. James and Ben continued to mount pressure with some determined tackling but the first match ended very much in the home team's favour.

Devonport U10s 10

Tavistock U10s 15

IN the second match a more invigorated Tavistock side saw Eddie get the visitors off the mark with an early try. Devonport's defence continued to be strong however, and their quick reactions soon brought an equalising try.

The Tavistock boys found a more attacking form and Matthew drove home for a second try in the first half.  Tavistock maintained momentum and their passing improved, getting the ball out to Luke who managed to get the ball over the line for a third try.

The second half proved hard work though with neither team managing a try until the dying minutes when Devonport broke free for a try in the corner.

Bideford U10s 35

Okehampton U10s 55

OKEHAMPTON started with a powerful attack from the outset against a well built home team. The visitors passed well and made good use of space. Callum pounded into the rucks and worked hard while Shea tackled well.

Bideford kept the pressure on, but the Oke's heads did not bow. Shortie took advantage of some gaps and made a breakthrough, but went into touch. Lachs nearly scored but Bideford held the ball up and then got it back up the pitch. Tries were then scored by Lachs and Adam.

The next period of play commenced with Dan powering through and there was good tackling from Will.

Saul scored five tries, his second one particularly impressive as he weaved through and shook off would be tacklers to get to the tryline.

Ben put in a great tackle close to the tryline, but the Bideford player was just able to stretch and get the ball across. Chris rucked well for Oke and Flynn put in some great runs while Archie showed he could tackle.

Ed appeared from under a pile of players from both teams with his hands firmly on the ball to claim his try. Captain Josh made weaving runs and Adam tackled three Bideford players in succession. Shea showed quick work from the scrums in tackling the opposition and scored one try having fought his way through following a scrum.

Callum was unlucky not to get a try as Bideford held the ball up. Again, Toby for Oke was always in the thick of the action ready to pounce when needed. Shortie darted about the pitch to make good ground.

Lachs scored two more tries in this away win for Oke.

Bideford U9s 16 tries

Okehampton U9s 26 tries

THE Okehampton boys came up against a good Bideford side and were slow out of the blocks with the home side getting some early scores in the first games.

As time went on Oke woke up and started playing their normal game of good off loading in the tackle and good support play.

There were some big tackles by Harry, Billy, Jack W and Grady.

At the end of the first games Oke had done enough to win 4-5 and 3-6.

In the second games Oke came out more focused and were quickly on the score sheet with Grady, Jack W and Jack T working hard to score. Billy, Cameron, Harry and both Maxs also put in some great team work to score.

Tyler and Matthew played well in the second half. The games ended with the scores 3-11 and 6-4.

This was a great result for the boys who played good, fast attacking rugby which puts teams on the back foot and leads them to make mistakes.

Okehampton tries: Grady (7), Cain, Tyler (2), Jack W (5), Jack T, Cameron (2), Harry (2), Max B, Billy(2), Matthew and Daniel(2).

Oke players of the matches were Cameron and Grady.

Tavistock U8s 2 tries

Devonport Services

U8s 4 tries

THE Tavistock boys took a few minutes to adjust to a slightly larger pitch, but were soon showing off their excellent defensive line. Services went ahead but Tavistock came back with some excellent tagging, particularly from Nathan, Tom and George M.

Tavistock won possession with good rugby and then James showed a clean pair of heels to race through for the line. It was another great turn out for the U8s, so rolling substitutes were used through the game. There were good performances from William A, Lewis and Matthew, who put plenty of pressure on the Services attack. Edward again took some excellent tags and scored a try for his efforts.

Tavistock U8s 6 tries

Devonport Services

U8s 5 tries

THERE was a good running rugby in this game, with a strong performance from Lex for Tavistock. It was a closely fought match with both sides taking good tags.

Plenty of players made it onto the score sheet, with Tavistock player of the Week Charlie scoring her first try this season. Alastair, William T-Y and Dominic scored one apiece and Michael scored two.

Tavistock U8s 8 tries

Devonport Services

U8s 5 tries

THERE was a hat trick of tries for James C, who ran like a terrier through the Services' defence time and time again.

Some excellent support play from George M, Matthew, Joe H and William A made it hard for services to break through.

Tom scored Tavistock's first try, his first of two. Nathan and Edward took some great tags and were both rewarded with tries. William A also scored.

Tavistock U8s 4 tries

Devonport Services

U8s 5 tries

GREAT teamwork by Tavistock in this game saw the boys and girl really worked well together as a unit. Tries from Dominic, Lex, Michael and Alastair.

Bideford U7s 23

Okehampton U7s 38

Okehampton travelled away for the second time this season and carried on playing good rugby.

Oke were organised, played with good shape and plenty of drive.

Good quick passing from all players made it easy for the try scorers.

Okehampton try scorers: Rocco 8, Wilf 6, Ciaran 6, Jacob, 5, Molly, 4, Lily, 3, Zara, 3 and Marla, 3.

This was a good all round team performance by Okehampton.