Okehampton U13s 0

Stonehouse Sharks

U13s 38

A DISAPPOINTING start to both halves saw the Okes dumped out of the County Plate competition at the semi-final stage by a well drilled visiting outfit.

Missing four key players due to holidays, the home side could only muster 14 players against a side that has a plethora of resources, fielding two full sides at most weekends.

Oke failed to start well and quickly conceded three tries, mainly down to poor tackling and a lack of tactical nous.

Oke did rally, but they struggled to string passes together, and lacking three first choice backs they lacked a threat out wide. The visitors managed another try before the interval despite spending long periods on the defensive, to lead 24-0 at the changeover.

Playing down the slope Oke fared better in the second period. After conceding two early tries they defended well for the rest of the match to keep the visitors out.

Greg Daniel battled manfully throughout for the home side, but they were ultimately unable to cross the whitewash. Playing a side of this depth without a full side was always a big ask but the Okes will be disappointed that they didn't perform better on the day.

Tavistock U11s 14

Saltash U11s 0

TAVISTOCK U11s travelled to Torquay on a bitterly cold Easter Saturday. In the first group game Tavistock received the Saltash kick and never looked back. Working forward through the phases the Tavy pack pushed to within two metres of the line allowing scrum half Dan Pett to dive round the ruck and open the scoring. Henry Varndell Dawes snaked through to find an opening for their second with Edward Tait adding the conversions.

Saltash rallied with some strong tackling and  held Tavistock in the second half but locks Noah Berridge and Matt Davey along with centre Harry Edwards put the pressure on Saltash to keep them on the back foot.

Tavistock U11s 14

Truro U11s 14

THE second game was a bitter battle with both sides trying desperately to find gaps.

Tavistock took the lead through Henry again only for Truro to equalise. Another Henry try looked to be the winner but Truro pushed hard and scored the equalizer with the last touch of the game .

Tavistock U11s 14

Torquay U11s 0

STRONG scrum work from the Tavistock front row  -  Reuben Coleman, Ben McKenzie and Jack Baker - and lineout possession by James Roisseter secured possession to use their fast backs to great effect. Ollie Sampson and Tom Scott found the space to push forward out wide with full back and Henry Varndell-Dawes breaking through to score two more tries.

Tavistock U11s 0

Barnstaple U11s 0

Having come top of the group Tavy played Barnstaple in the semi final. Both teams fighting tooth and nail for territory, the tackles came thick and fast, both sides making breaks , only to be stopped by some resolute defence by both teams. A nil- nil draw led to a three minute golden try situation.

Again both teams wanted the win but some fine phase play from Tavy took them close enough for Henry to dive for the line to take the honours.

Truro U11s 5

Tavistock U11s 0

THE cup final against Truro  was another close fought game. Jack Bellamy and James Roisseter made strong yards for Tavistock and Ollie Sampson, Tom Scott and Tom Persse tackled superly.

Truro found a gap in the corner in the second half to score the only try of the game.

Tavistock rallied hard to equalise but could not break the solid Truro defence. This was a superb team effort from Tavistock showing character and resolution throughout the day.

n OKEHAMPTON U8s travelled to Torquay who were hosting a mini rugby festival. For all the players it was the first time that they had been to such an event and, after a long day they came home having won the Plate Competition.

Scores were: Okehampton 10, Brixham Lions 6; Okehampton 6, Exeter Chiefs 7; Okehampton 5, Saltash 5; Okehampton 3, Kingsbridge 7.

They won against Brixham Tigers in the Plate, Okehampton 8, Brixham Tigers 5.

Congratulations go to all who played in a day of very competitive rugby: Callum, Lachlann, William, Adam, Shea, Archie, Saul, Toby, Jacob, Korben, Ben, Dan and Alex.