Devon plate

Okehampton U15s 12

Barnstaple U15s 15

THIS semi final was always going to be a physical game. Okehampton began by taking the game to Barnstaple and for the first ten minutes found themselves camped in their opponents' half.

Oke came close to scoring but some solid defence from the visitors kept them out. Barnstaple began to gain ground with their pick and drives and started to put pressure on the home team and just before half time Barnstaple crossed the line to leave the score 5-0.

After the break Barnstaple started as they finished the first half and immediately applied pressure. Sucking players in and then using the width, this resulted in Barnstaple's second try.

Not to be outdone the home side composed themselves and took the game back to Barnstaple. Johnny King crossed the line to get the home team on the score sheet and Daniel Thorne added the extras.

This increased the intensity and the passion of the game and both sides were called to calm down. Barnstaple sneaked the next score close to the end but Oke, not to be outdone, scored when Joe Mawle reached for the line in the last play of the game. This was a tense game with a place in the final to play for.

The Okehampton side showed great commitment and team spirit and despite not getting the result they wanted they should be proud of their performance.

Tavistock U15s 10

Ivybridge U15s 22

TAVISTOCK started the game strongly and contested the breakdown at every opportunity. Flankers Theo Cousins and Matt Birch caused the away side problems all game.

The home side held their shape and looked to move the ball wide. This eventually paid off with the ball moving to the right side for full back Bernie Sadler to race into the corner. Shortly after Tavistock looked to add a second score with wing Billy McNicol, but strong defence from Ivybridge saw him tackled just short of the line.

Unfortunately for Tavistock they could not get clear of an astute Ivybridge side, who have only lost twice this season, and Ivybridge managed to equalise with a well worked try of their own, before the end of the half.

The second half again saw Tavistock start brightly and keep possession through several phases of play. Straight running and good handling from Chris Watts, Ben Milligan, Ethan Lamerton and the versatile Will Gardner, playing at hooker, created space for Dan Willis to dive in.

Tavistock continued to play strongly and James Lewis made several driving runs with the ball in hand but a change in gameplan from Ivybridge saw them kick more. This led to Tavistock losing their defensive shape and they were punished severely by Ivybridge for this and the away side scored three tries inside the last 15 minutes.

Okehampton U13s 44

Bideford U13s 14

WINNING an early scrum, Okehampton passed out wide to Noah for a try, which was duly converted by Jim. This early score invigorated the home side and they extended their lead almost straightaway.

George D took the ball cleanly from the kick off and made a great run into the opposition's half, offloading to Tom S, who wove his way past three defenders to score.

Bideford came back after some sustained pressure close to the Oke line and the home side were not helped by its poor tackling, leading to Bideford's first try and conversion.

The home team replied with another try after the ball was quickly picked up from the back of a scrum by Nathan, going over for his first try; Jim converted.

Oke kicked well during the match both to clear their line and to add pressure in attack and gain valuable ground. On several occasions the ball was chased down by the forwards, providing opportunities for Oke to get possession from winning scrums and line outs.

Oke's fourth try came from a well worked line out, resulting in another try by Nathan.

The second half continued in the same vein with the Oke team pulling together and spreading the ball around. The pack's work was vital in steadily gaining ground, especially the strong runs made by Ollie to penetrate the opposition defence and Tom A's defensive work. Another Oke try came from Dai Chi, quickly followed by a try from Noah. Dai Chi caught the ball from the kick off and kicked down field for it to be scooped up by Noah scoring another try. Oke's final try was really a solo effort by Tom S, who took the ball cleanly from a Bideford kick and ran from his own half, offloading when tackled only to receive the ball back and go over the try line unchallenged.

In the last few minutes of the game, Oke took their foot off a little and allowed Bideford's No 10 to run past and dodge several tackle attempts to make the final try of the match.

Devonport Services U12s 21

Tavistock U12s 7

AFTER last week's win against Devonport in Newquay Tavistock met a fierce and determined Services side that were hungry for revenge.

A hard fought battle for possession and territory ensued for a good five minutes before Devonport breached the Tavistock defence after some back and forth across the pitch and a handful of missed tackles. More missed tackles and poor defensive lines allowed Services a second a few minutes later and this, coupled with the loss of numbers 8 and 9 Harry Richardson and Tom Persse, seemed to knock Tavistock's confidence.

Tavistock's half backs Dan Pett and Harry Edwards valiantly attempted to rally the attack with some solid work  at the breakdowns, only to be thwarted by a quick drift defence, with wingers James Kenyon and Tom Scott being bundled off the pitch.

A third try for Services five minutes into the second half  finally seemed to galvanise Tavistock and they started to retain possession and made some headway against a strong defence.

A try from Henry Varndell-Dawes, converted by Harry Edwards, after stretching the defence wide saw Tavistock start to regain some composure with sterling work from front rowers Jaxom Cann, Ben Mckenzie and Reuben Coleman and Jack Baker helping to retain some possession against the ruck machine the Services fielded. Charlie Meakin put in a good debut at prop in a tough baptism. A slow and sleepy start with a more promising final coming five minutes too late.

Okehampton U12s 35

Barnstaple U12s 0

ON a balmy, almost summerslike day, the young Okehampton side put in another committed team performance, without conceding any points. 

Tries were opened by some fast, strong running from the ever elusive Greg Haste, who showed a clean pair of heels to Barnstaple's defence. Barnstaple remained strong throughout the game, scrummaging  and rucking well, using high kicks into the sun, but the Oke players remained resolute in defence, tackling and causing their opposition to spoil ball, with the safe hands of Will Cunningham dealing effectively with the high kicks. 

Having another superb game both in defence and attack, Barnaby Waddell was rewarded with two tries of his own, with superb support play from the pack, with James Stevens having his best game of the season, taking no prisoners with hard hits and ruthless ripping of the ball. 

Further tries came from Joshua McCulloch and Daniel Tomkins, both of whom made good ground and showed great strength.  This was another all round impressive game from the whole, well disciplined and hardworking team. Conversions:  Joshua Burgoyne (1), James Close (2), Daniel Wonnacott (2).

Okehampton U12s 49

Bideford U12s 0

AFTER a slow start, Okehampton got their act together with another powerful performance, again without conceding any points. 

Daniel Tomkins had a strong game, scoring four pick and go tries, the first catching Bideford out on the blindside. 

As the game progressed, Okehampton's rucking improved, putting Bideford under real pressure, causing them to give away penalties. 

A superb cross field penalty kick from Joshua Burgoyne led to a superb catch from full Back, Will Cunningham, to touchdown for a well executed try.  Further tries came from Joshua McCulloch and Will Cunningham, with conversions from James Close (2), Daniel Wonnacott (2) and Joshua Burgoyne (3). 

Great interlinking and support by both backs and forwards saw another superb team performance from the whole squad.

Devonport U9s 35

Tavistock U9s 20

IN good conditions both teams started nervously and were guilty of handling errors and spilling the ball. It was Devonport that opened the scoring by direct running and added three more tries. Tavistock were initially bunching when in possession and not coming up in a line when defending. Their only score in the first half came from Eddie.

The second half saw Tavistock come out positively. Although Devonport opened the scoring there were two tries from Matthew D, one of which was created by a superb weaving run from Max. The improvement continued with a fine score from Dylan who flew out of defence to intercept a pass made by the home team.

Devonport U9s 20

Tavistock U9s 40

THERE was little impetus from either team at the start. Once again Devonport opened the scoring before Dylan equalised for the visitors after a fine run and offload from Henry.

Tavistock began to gel and were playing as a team. The tackling and commitment improved; Dylan and Eddie were superb as was Chris who also added two scores, with one after shrugging off attempted tackles. James made a dash to the line to add another and Matt B added to the tally.

The second half was outstanding from Tavistock. Although initially they were squandering possession they were growing in stature and confidence. Devonport were unable to cross the line. This was a team effort and the boys stepped up to the mark.  James and then Fin crossed to score. The final score which was decisive came from Ryan - who had made some lovely tackles - after a super pass from Luke T put him away down the wing to score.

Bideford U9s 45

Okehampton U9s 20

OKEHAMPTON were captained by Shea. Will, Lachs and Callum all worked well together showing great reading of the other's game. Shea played well in defence and Josh put in good tackles. Adam scored two tries in the half and Lachs scored one for Oke to Bideford's two.

A change of team for the second half saw Dan covering valuable ground for Oke and some superb tackling from Ben. Bideford scored seven in this half to Oke's one scored by Alex.

Bideford U9s 55

Okehampton U9s 50

IN a livelier match there was a stronger defence from the Oke team, who were pushed often to the try line which made it harder work for them.

Josh for Oke was in line for a great run but was brought down with a hard tackle. This seemed to wake his side up and they became a lot more determined. Toby and Josh were both weaving through the players but were bought down. A contribution made by the whole team resulted in an superbly rounded off try for Lachs. Adam scored two tries for Oke, Callum and Will one each without reply from Bideford in the half.

The second half started with a quick run from Liam who swiftly passed the ball on just as he was tackled. Will though kept the pressure on. Flynn showed great support play and was always keen to get involved while Dan for Oke drilled and weaved through the opposition for his two tries. A determined Shortie was rewarded with one try. Will for Oke scored two tries as Bideford scored 11 tries in the final half. Players of the match for Oke weere Flynn and Adam.

Okehampton U8s 55 tries

Barnstaple U8s 49 tries

THE Okehampton boys played well and in the first game Grady started at great speed,weaving in and out to score in the corner. This was quickly followed by another try which came from a quick pass from his brother Roman.

Soon after Cain and Billy scored with some good support play. There was also good tagging from Freddie,Thomas J and Roman. Grady scored try of the day by running  from the try line to the other with all the others chasing him.

Oke tries: Grady (14), Billy (7), Cain (5), Freddie (2), Roman (2) and Thomas Jake.

The second game was a tight affair with good tagging and running from both sides. Callum K made a couple of great runs up the pitch to score, supported well by Max B and Max J. Tyler is coming on really well and pitched in with a couple of tries. Oliver was busy around the pitch tagging and scoring while the two Max's did some good tags. Oke tries: Oliver (8), Harry (2), Tyler (3), Max J (5), Max B and Callum K (4). 

Devonport S U7s 5 tries

Tavistock U7s 6 tries

TAVISTOCK were on the scoresheet within seconds after a great run through from Matthew. Devonport were right on their try-line after the restart, when William A picked up a dropped ball and ran the full length of the pitch to score.

Tavistock put together some great passes along the line for Matthew to score his second. They kept up the pressure, Joe taking some excellent tags, then Michael picked up and ducked round the back of the defence to score. Some excellent tags saw the ball turned over to player of the week Matthew who ran over to score his hat trick.

Devonport S U7s 6 tries

Tavistock U7s 5 tries

SOME great running rugby came particularly from Lewis and Alastair for Tavistock. Lewis scored straight away with a powerful run right through the Services' defence. There was some good passing between the boys, with JJ and George working well together to pass the ball through to Alastair who touched down two tries before half time.

After the break, the boys started well, turning over the Devonport ball for Tom to run through with a try. There was some great running from the Tavistock team who were always looking for space. Alastair scored three more tries, taking his tally for the game to five.

Devonport S U7s 6 tries

Tavistock U7s 6 tries

GOOD team passing led to the first try for the visitors from Gabriel, who then was tagged just before the line and almost scored his second. Nathan was waiting just on his shoulder for the pop pass and ran through to score.

After half time Tavistock started strongly, winning possession from Devonport for Lex to score his first try. Again the Tavistock boys put some great moves together with Nathan passing to Edward for him to score his first of two this half. Superb running rugby came from Gabriel, who swerved through the defence to score his second. And at the end, George made an excellent run before passing to Edward who touched down to bring the score level.

Devonport S U7s 8 tries

Tavistock U7s 9 tries

GOOD passing between Charlie, William T-Y and Jack saw Jack run through to score for Tavistock. Finlay again used his pace to run the length of the pitch to touch down the first of his tries. Tavistock were making the most of their possession and looking for their players for the pass. A good run by Jack saw him pop the ball to William T-Y for him to score. William A scored four and Matthew scored one. Superb supporting play from most improved player Brendan saw the ball go out to Finlay who touched down after another great swerving run.