Okehampton U16s 10

Okehampton started brightly and shaded a bruising first half. Three times during this opening period the visitors made the incisive breaks but they were thwarted by cover tackles in their quest for the opening score.

Rhys Palmer kicked intelligently in behind the Chiefs back three keeping them on the back foot. This was backed up by some good chasing down and ferocious tackling. Their only blip during the half came as the ever reliable boot of Lewis Taylor malfunctioned.

Two minutes after the restart and Exeter took a lead they were never to relinquish when their scrum-half slotted a dead ahead penalty. They increased their lead moments later as they stretched Okehampton's defence and from a five-metre scrum the open side flanker picked up and went over unopposed. The conversion was missed.

Oke pressed but their attack broke down and from the resultant turnover Exeter swept the length of the pitch to score under the posts, leaving the conversion a formality.

Oke were not going to lie down though and again went back at their hosts, forcing them to start conceding penalties. It was from a quick tap penalty Oke skipper Ryan Gross took the ball and made good yards before laying the ball back; quick ball gave them an overlap which Oli Francis exploited. Okehampton finished the stronger and pulled the home defence all over the place before Palmer booted a fine cross-field kick that was fielded by Declan Coyle. Great interplay between him and Frank Smith released Taylor to go over. Again the conversion was wide but the Okes were now back within a score.

Ultimately though they were to run out of time but this was a sterling effort by Oke against a much bigger, physical side.

Newquay U15s girls 19

Tavistock U15s girls 20

TAVISTOCK girls produced a fast flowing skilful display to narrowly but deservedly beat Newquay on a day with a biting east wind.

Newquay were first out of the blocks and soon went ahead with a fine individual try from their centre. Urged on by the inspirational Fen Easthaugh, Tavistock soon reduced the deficit to two points.

After the restart Fen again broke through the Newquay defence but was brought down five meters short but up popped Lizzie Crocker to pick the ball from the ruck and dart over to give Tavistock the lead.

In the second half, the hard work of the Tavistock second row players Jess Tait and Lydia Roisetter gained more possession allowing Tavistock to dominate. Lizzie Crocker went over for a second try.

A first try for Eleanor Mills was the highlight of the half — with Lilly Hillson starting the move from the loose, smart inter-passing saw Eleanor taking the final pass to touch down.

In the dying seconds of the match, Tavistock conceded two converted soft tries.

Devonport U15s girls 10

Tavistock U15s girls 5

LILY Hillson marshalled the Tavistock back line and some stout defence by Tilly Cole kept out the hard running Devonport backs.

Devonport went ahead with a bruising try and Tavistock responded by positive rucking and two solid rolling mauls led by Chloe Dawe. The improved possession locked in the Devonport forwards giving the free-running Tavistock backs the space to break through. Alice Mills-Hicks crossed the line after some exciting off-loading and inter-passing, to level the score.

Just when it looked like a draw was the likely outcome, Lily Hillson and Fen Easthaugh were led off the pitch with injuries, Devonport rallied to snatch the match with a last minute try.

The improvement displayed by this young Tavistock team bodes well for the future.

Crediton U14s 0

Okehampton U14s 29

PLAY was evenly matched for the first ten

minutes or so until Okehampton managed to get in behind the Crediton

defence, Joe Mawle powered through and put the first points on the

board. This gave Okehampton some confidence and the team started to play with more conviction and determination. Crediton, not to be outdone, started using their two big centers which asked questions of the Oke defence but Harry Elliot and Kyle Pigeon both had good games in the centre to prevent the danger.

Liam Pyle was the next to find a gap in the home sides 22 to leave the score 12-0 at half time.

After the break Crediton upped the pressure and for a period of play Oke found themselves on the back foot but the defence held firm in the turning point in the game

Joe Mawle was at hand again to push through for his second score and further tries from Liam Pyle and Harry Elliot extended the score line with Daniel Thorne adding the conversions. Archie Taylor, Conner and Nile sportingly played for the home side.

Bideford U14s 5

Tavistock U14s 90

TAVISTOCK overcame a plucky Bideford side in a bit of a one sided Devon Plate game.

Tavistock scored their first try inside the opening minutes, which saw Ben Luke run in from the half way line after he received the ball from a lineout. James Lewis quickly added a second after a powerful run broke the defensive line. Will Gardner showed good awareness at the breakdown and got hold of the ball near the Bideford line before driving over for his first try. James Lewis, who ran with purpose all game, added his second before further tries for Ben Milligan, George Hillson and a second for Will Gardner. George Hillson piled on the pressure by converting five from seven conversion attempts.

A clever switch of direction from the second half kick off saw Tavi stock score through Ben Milligan who showed good composure to catch the kick and race in to score. James Lewis completed his hat trick with another strong run before Ben Luke drove over for his second. Bideford showed some character throughout the game and their efforts were rewarded when they pounced on a loose ball from a kick off and their winger raced in to score in the right hand corner.

Tavistock added further scores from James Lewis and Ethan Lamerton before Billy McNicol scored their best try. Further tries from Scott Morris and Ben Milligan with George Hillson adding four conversions in the half.

Okehampton U13s 22

Tavistock U13 7

OKEHAMPTON began at a gallop and opened the scoring with a fine try in the opening five minutes. Good phase rugby, and sound passing, created an opening for Leon Horn to cross for the first five pointer up the slope.

Oke continued to move the ball more effectively and restricted the mobile Tavistock backline. Just before the break, winger Ben McKenna-Smith showed good pace and strength, to cross for his second try in as many games after a fine run up the left flank. Leon Horn converted from in front to make it 12-0 to the Okes at the interval.

With the elements in their favour, Oke continued on the front foot for most of the second period. They extended their lead with a rumbustious effort from number eight Greg Daniel, whose powerful forays were a thorn in the Tavistock. The victory was sealed when Ben McKenna –Smith finished off a fine, flowing passing move that stretched the visitors defence from right to left to make it 22-0. Tavistock fought back to score a deserved consolation try which they converted.

Okehampton's fine win showed signs of improvement as the season progresses.

Sidmouth U12s 40

Okehampton U12s 25

IN the first few minutes of the game Okehampton could see they were in for a battle with Sidmouth playing good basic rugby, it was only a matter of time before they scored their first points.

Picking the ball from the back of rucks quickly, fluid passing and straight running enabled them to score 15 points within the first 10 minutes.

Full back, George D, seemed to be all over the pitch for Oke and his consistent tackling proved a challenge throughout the game. Credit to the Oke lads they valiantly rose to the challenge and true to form came alive in the second half.

A high tackle from Sidmouth gave Oke's a penalty and with a quick thinking kick from Kai (1 try), Nathan (2) got under the ball and scored. Sidmouth answered straight back with another try.

Oke's final points came from a lovely interception from Callum, who flicked the ball out to Brad S for him to push his way through offloading to Daichi, onto Tom S (1) who powered over the try line.

Saltash U11s 14

Tavistock U11s 33

TAVISTOCK were met by a feisty Saltash side hungry for the ball. The home side took the game to the visitors and their pressure was rewarded with an early try out wide. The visitors hit back after a darting run by Dan Pett opened up the Saltash defence for Noah Berridge to spot a gap and score from the ensuing ruck.

Saltash came back and smashed through for a second and with both conversions being made Tavistock were trailing again.

Tavistock though fought hard to get back in the game. A second try for Noah Berridge from a front peel lineout and a Henry Varndell-Dawes try put them just ahead at half time. Ollie Sampson was unlucky not to add a fourth.

Strong ripping in the tackle from Ben Mckenzie and James Kenyon coupled with good set piece work from Jack Baker, Kiran Warner and Reuben Coleman saw Tavy pushing forward in the second half.

Good distribution from half backs Dan Pett, Edward Tait and Harry Edwards put the visitors on the front foot for most of the second half, allowing Matthew Davey to find gaps in the defence twice to take the lead.

Strong tackling coming from Tom Scott and James Roisetter  with Tom Persse stopped the biggest Saltash forward right on full time to keep a clean sheet in the second half Cameron Hart and Reuben Coleman  made good yards from the wing and pack respectively and Cameron also put in a great debut at fullback as did Luke Wise on the wing. Conversions from Harry Edwards (2) and Henry Varndell-Dawes finished the scoring off.

Sidmouth U11s 0

Okehampton U11s 40

PLAYED at a frantic pace, Sidmouth struggled to cope with Okehampton's quick play of the ball and pressure in defence forcing Sidmouth into mistakes, turning the ball over on several occasions.

Powerful scrumaging and lineouts from Sonny Luxton, James Stevens, Matt Denning, Saul Holliday and the rampaging Barnaby Waddell (1) paved the way for the backs to attack with speed and control.

Cole Pengelly provided useful link play between forwards and backs, while James Stevens is proving to be a real thorn in the oppositions side.

Will Cunningham scored three tries, with one being a 50 metre sprint down the touchline. James Close (2) kicked intelligently while Charlie Glanville and Dan Wonnacott made some big tackles and carries in mid-field.

Wings Robert Whitby and Harry Laing-Taylor had improved, all round contributions while George Cox and Greg Haste both had their best games of the season. Joshua Burgoyne (2) at scrumhalf kept the tempo of the game moving with his quick play of the ball and breaks, scoring two tries. Oke's defence stood up to a late surge by Sidmouth, twice holding them up over the line, resulting in them clearing their lines.

Okehampton U10s 5 tries

Sidmouth U10s 8

AFTER a slow start to the game which saw them three tries down early on, Okehampton then put in one of their best team performances of the season to narrowly lose out to Sidmouth U10s.

First-half tries from Oke's Theo and Seb, followed by another for Theo, and one apiece for Oliver and Harry after the break, was good reward for some excellent attacking play from Oke.

Some strong running from Jay and the usual solid tackling from Ryan, added greatly to the overall effort from Okehampton.

Confidence is starting to grow, and performances from Oke U10s are improving week by week as a result.

Okehampton U9s 7 tries

Sidmouth U9s 8 tries

A GREAT game from both sides and evenly matched made this a good to watch.

With a defensive Okehampton side putting pressure on the visitors from the start and Oke, captained by Joe, showed good spirit.

Cold conditions made handling difficult but Oke persevered with fine tackling by Matt, Joe and Jacob, good team support from Cameron, Alfie and Elliot and some aggressive running from Alex.

The second half was just as evenly matched. A great run from Cameron down the line, a superb team effort from Joe crossing the ball the Jacob to score a try and excellent team effort in defence and attack from Oke. Okehampton tries from Jacob, Joe (5) and Alex.

Okehampton U9s 9 tries

Sidmouth U9s 7 tries

OKEHAMPTON were captained by Morgan, who led from the front with some excellent direct running.

Oke put in an all round team performance with some aggressive tackling by Ethan, Alex and Isaac combined with some positive running from Aedan, Marcus and Finlay.

Okehampton continued to dominate putting pressure on Sidmouth and keeping them on the back foot. There was constant attacking from the home side with some hard hitting tackles from player of the match Ethan.

Oke tries: Marcus (4), Morgan (2), Aedan, Finlay and Ethan.

Saltash U8s 11 tries

Tavistock U8s 12 tries

THE home side were first out of the blocks taking the lead with two quick tries, but Tavistock began to hit their straps as Matthew B twice danced through the opposition lines to level.

Tavistock's defensive work was just as impressive as their attacking play,

Billy scored from a counter attack to round off an excellent period of play.

The visitors were unlucky not to force more turnover ball but two tries from James kept up the pressure on Saltash and, with the last play of the half, Matthew B completed his hat-trick to level the scores at 6-6.

Seven fresh Tavistock players took the field for the second half. Ashley opened the scoring and Christopher scored twice to finish off two lovely flowing moves involving several players. Seb produced a hip-swerve to avoid the Saltash defence and Dylan and Ashley each added a try.

Tavistock U8s 6 tries

Saltash U8s 3 tires 

THE game started at a cracking pace, the teams trading tries in the early stages with Luke being perfectly placed to finish off James' long run and then going over again for his second in two minutes. Matthew B's fourth try gave Tavistock a 3-2 lead at half time.

Determined tagging from Tavistock saw Saltash only pierce the visitors defence once in the second half.

For Tavistock, Henry scored a brace and there was a further try from Chris as the visitors were deserving winners.

Oke U8s 9 tries

Sidmouth U8s 4

OKEHAMPTON impressed with their defence skills and reached the six tag turnover close to the try line to prevent the visitors from scoring. The whole team worked well together, supporting each other and keeping an organised line.

Archie S, who scored a try, worked hard and made several impressive runs. Oke reached the six tag turnover more than once. Adam, who scored a try, passed well to Shea who was tagged just before the line but he still scored two tries. William had a good game and scored three tries together as did Callum who scored twos. Lachlann in the centre covered good ground and tagged well.

Okehampton U8s 9 tries

Sidmouth U8s 7

THIS was another fast paced game where the home team kept up the pressure on the visitors where everyone worked as a team.

Lachlann scored two good tries and William one and also passed well to Adam who scored twos. Callum stormed down the pitch for a superb try.

Jacob took advantage of a loose ball and pushed his way through to score and Archie S added two more.

Okehampton U8s 7 tries

Sidmouth U8s 6

OKEHAMPTON were captained by Dan who scored a try. Toby tagged well together with Korben and Archie G.

Alex scored one try and Saul four tries and made his presence felt with his tagging. Ben tagged consistently and scored one try.

Okehampton U8s 9 tries

Sidmouth U8s 6

Captained by Korben Okehampton won with tries scored by Saul (3), Alex (3), Ben (1), Callie (1) and Liam (1). A good run was made by Callie which was finished off by a try from Alex. Good support was shown by Sam.

Oke U7s 27 tries

Sidmouth U7s 17

ON a dry but bitterly cold morning the team took on a Sidmouth side looking to improve more on previous games,working on thier offsides and staying in play. The two Oke teams played well together with lots of good passing and supporting the ball carrier so they could off load the ball quickly.

Oke tries scored by Grady Alford (19), Freddie Dunford, Callum Keegan, Billy Tomkins (5) and Hector Ellery.

Okehampton U7s 21 tries

Sidmouth U7s 15

OKEHAMPTON tries scored by Cameron Spiers (6), Max Bickle (6), Matthew Richards (3), Oliver Wonnacott (4) and Hector Ellery (2).

n MOUNT House School sent a team to the Port Regis seven-a-side tournament

In the first of the group stage matches lost to Moulsford and to their credit Mount House boys did not let their heads drop, and Joe Beck scored two excellent consolation tries.

In the plate quarter-finals, the boys faced local rivals Blundell's, and in their best performance of the day defended well, but sadly offered little in attack.