South Molton U13s 7

Okehampton U13s 14

OKEHAMPTON were slow to get going in this first game of the New Year and allowed the big South Molton forwards to dominate them in the loose and the set pieces.

The South Molton backs were given too much time and space and looked dangerous every time they got the ball. However, great tackling by Okehampton wingers Alex Browne and William James kept the game scoreless at half time.

In the second half, Okehampton's pack started to increase their work rate. After good pressure in the corner, scrum half Tom Bayley picked up and darted over in the corner with Daniel Thorne slotting over the difficult conversion.

South Molton hit back with 10 minutes to go scoring a converted try. With five minutes left, Okehampton centre Johnnie King went crashing over to score under the post, which was also converted. Okehampton held out under intense pressure in the last few minutes to take the win. 

Tavistock  U13s 45

Brixham   U13s 10

TAVISTOCK took the game to Brixham straight from the kick off winning good ball from a scrum deep in opposition territory. The ball was passed neatly through the hands of the backs, first to the left and then to the right, with Will P going over to score in the corner. Solid play by the front five of Steven, Chris, Harry, Cameron and James continued to provide good set piece ball which resulted in Ben M and Bernie running in two further tries.

Just before half time a break out by Dan supported by Ben G coming into the line from full back set a maul close to the Brixham line from which Richard and Theo recycled the ball to Callum who went over to give Tavistock a 31-0 lead at half time.

Brixham came out in the second half as a different team and dominated possession and territory for 15 minutes and scored two good tries.

The home side then regained their shape with forwards Greg, Ben L and Will G making strong runs through the middle. This set up Alex at scrum half to feed Laurence and then George who put in a deft kick which Ethan picked up superbly to score the first of his two late tries. Will P and George converted five of the seven tries.   

Torquay U11s 10

Okehampton U11s 14

IT was a slow start again for the visitors after a few weeks break and they could not get into a settled rhythm of play. Torquay dominated in all areas of play and the Okes were lucky only to go into half time 5-0 down.

Torquay were first to strike again in the second half but a stunning piece of running from his own try line by Dai Chi B, the whole length of the pitch, led to Okehampton getting on the score sheet.

As the visitors gained momentum and started to scrum and ruck more effectively, Dai Chi once again showed his speed and agility with a second try. Both were converted by James M.

A strong Okehampton defence denied Torquay any further ground, leading to a narrow victory for the visitors.

Exeter Chiefs U11s 19

Tavistock U11s 28

THIS was a superb start to the new year for Tavistock by beating the Exeter Chiefs in a hard fought game.

The Chiefs were slow to start and Tavistock took full advantage with the forwards of Archie A, Jason, Tom, John and Morgan winning the ball for the backs. A great try by Zac Gorton got the team going and good defensive work by Jacob, Jude and Lochan kept the Chiefs out.

Jack scored the second try for Tavistock with a great interception but the Chiefs came back into the game with a try of their own.

The Chiefs held the ball up when Tom nearly scored and Jason was unlucky not to break through their defence.

The visitors used all their 18 players well by rotating through the game and Joe, Luke, Alex, Theo and Olly came on to make the team look even stronger. A try from

Jude White pushed Tavistock further ahead but two tries from the Chiefs put the pressure back on.

It was a great pick up and pass from Brynmor that secured the attacking ball which eventually saw a final try for Tavistock by

Archie T. The whole team deserved credit for their best performance so far this season.

Oke U10s Pinks 20

Torquay U10s 10

Oke Violets 25

Torquay U10s 15

THE young Okehampton side put in an outstanding squad performance against a previously unbeaten Torquay side.

Okehampton fronted up to a physical Torquay side in all areas of the game around the field.

Fielding two separate sides over the two matches, the Oke' forwards showed more agression, knocking the Torquay players back at every ruck. Their recycling of the ball from mauls was much improved, setting up many attacks and counter attacks.

In the lineouts the visitors held their own and poached several loose tap downs by the the home side. In the backs a few  loose tackles was the only downside to a marked all round improvement.

There were some fine individual play and playing on a narrow pitch was never going to be easy but the backs still managed to string passes together in attack, bringing their wingers into play and laying the ball back well for the forwards to ruck over.

The whole squad gelled back together well, playing to their strengths and controlling both games throughout. This was a superb performance by all.

Tries Joshua McCulloch (1) Jake Laing-Taylor (2) Jordan Hill (2), Will Cunningham (1) James Close (1) Harry Laing-Taylor (1).Saul Holliday (1)

Torquay U9s 5

Okehampton U9s 20

OKEHAMPTON travelled to Torquay to play their first game of the New Year.

Charlie Jarvis was captain for the day and lead Okehampton well, leading from the front with determined tackling and, along with Jay Jenkin, strong scrummaging.

Theo Jackson-Clist got the Oke's off to a good start scoring the first try after Oke had weathered a period of Torquay pressure. Torquay continued to have the better of the first half but the visitors held strong and went into the half time break holding their one score advantage.

The second half saw Okehampton with more possession and Oliver Johns and Edward Luke made some good breaks before Theo once again scored.

Torquay quickly responded but when Theo scored a third try, the game was always going to be won by Okehampton.

In the last few minutes Tom Chapman darted around the back of an attacking scrum and scored a good try right on the full time whistle. This was a good win for Okehampton that blew away any of the Christmas cobwebs the team might have had.

Tavistock U9s 3 tries

Exeter Chiefs U9s 8 tries

IN the previous fixture against the Chiefs, Tavistock struggled to deal with the size of the opposition. This time after a tough pre match training session, the team gave a really good account of themselves.

With Jacob returning Tasha, Oscar, Jon, Lily and Marcus all got stuck in helping the more established Toby, Isaac, Tom and William.

Exeter moved into a 5-0 try lead at half time with four tries scored by their large Samoan.

In the second half Isaac score with a solo break and after some great runs by Marcus, Tasha and Logan, Logan and Isaac scored. Exeter went over just three more times.

Toby, Tom and Will worked tirelessly, supported by Billy, Logan and Oscar as Tavistock returned to some of their best form.

n New players, especially larger boys and girls who have not tried rugby, would be very welcome. Call James Mills on 01822 616862 if you are interested.

Torquay U8s 11 tries

Okehampton U8s 11 tries

IN a close and com-petitive match Okehampton showed weariness after the festive holidays hangovers and played a exciting match against a well drilled Torquay side.

Cameron was made captain for the first game and made a number of charging runs against a strong Torquay defence.  The tries scorers were Marcus 5 , Cameron 3 and Holly, Finlay and Llew 1 each. Llew and showed all his usual flair in attack for the young Okes. The defence of Okehampton was strong with excellent play from Milo and Morgan.

Torquay U8s 11 tries

Oke U8s 12 tries

THIS was only Torquay's second defeat this season and this shows what strength in depth Oke have by fielding a completely different team for the second game.

Captain Ethan Drew scored five tries in an outstanding performance for Okehampton. Other try scorers  were Jacob 3, Joe 3 and Marcus 1.

The tagging and support play were superb throughout both games with Sam and Josh putting in good performances .

This week Okehampton U8s are home to Exmouth . 

Tavistock U8s 11 tries

Exeter Chiefs U8s 7

TAVISTOCK U8s just about got the better of Chiefs in these two compelling matches. 

In the first match a determined Tavistock side took control from the start with some good passing and support play.  But to their credit Chiefs put in a good performance and made the most of some mistimed Tavistock tagging. 

At half time Tavistock led 6-4, but in the second half their defence improved significantly, forcing errors and gaining more possession, and they began to run away with the match eventually winning 11-7. 

Captain Jared Hunter showed good leadership and Jack Lane's five try performance earned him player of the match.  Tavistock U8s 4 tries

Exeter Chiefs U8s 7 tries

TAVISTOCK were again guilty of some mistimed tagging early on, but missed a number of opportunities to score with dropped, forward and knocked-on passes. 

However, this did not detract from the commitment, drive and passion shown by the team, especially Alex Piper. 

Tries for Tavistock Ollie Pett 2, Liam Watt 2, Alex Richardson 4, Jonathan Griffiths 2.     

Torquay U7s 9 tries

Okehampton U7s 7 tries

A GOOD turnout from Okehampton meant that two teams could be fielded to give everyone good opportunity to play.

William and Saul put in forceful runs weaving through the Torquay team to score one try each while a determined Kai never gave up with his tagging. Owen, Alex and Hamish kept up with tagging too and Ben, Josh and Toby covered good ground to help get through the tough opposition.

Other tries were scored by Kai (2), Grady (1) and Adam (2). Good support was given by Lachlann, Archie, Dan, Jacob and Callum.

Torquay U7s 6 tries

Okehampton U7s 4 tries

KAI again kept up with his tagging together with Lachlann and Adam. Tries were scored by William (3) and Saul (1). There was some good passing throughout the team and the game is picking up pace as the passing is improving all round. A good performance by all players.