Tavistock U18s 28

Liskeard U18s 5

DECEMBER rain and the biting wind chilling the players' hands would not be conducive to open running and intricate passing when the match kicked off on Sunday.

The portent came to pass immediately with a Tavistock fumble, when they won a lineout, again dropped, and a poached try within two minutes of the kick-off.

However, the Tavistock girls soon became accustomed to the slippery ball and playing into the wind started their fight-back using short passes, popped passes and occasionally swinging the ball out wide.

Working their way up-field with Maddie Cinnamond carrying the ball to Annabel Longden giving her the space to scythe her way through the Liskeard line from the number 10 position to score under the posts after 10 minutes. She converted the try as she did with all the four subsequent tries in spite of the blustery wind and incessant rain.

Tavistock were not going to give up the lead. Tactical kicking by Liskeard to gain ground only stopped the progression of the powerful Tavistock forwards. Kim Upcott broke through the pack and carried four Liskeard players almost 15 metres before being grounded. Recycling the ball left big holes in the Liskeard defence which Bronwyn Rundle shot through again to score under the posts.

In the second half Tavistock failed to capitalise on the hind wind, but nevertheless created space out wide for Lauren Dawe and Annabel Longden to roar through to score. Only last ditch defence by Liskeard prevented two further Tavistock tries.

The Tavistock tackling was faultless. Hannah Morris and Lily Hillson did not allow any incursion, giving the Tavistock forwards time to recover the ball from the loose. The line stayed straight and the one-to-one cover prevented Liskeard making much territory even when they obtained the ball from the scrums or the loose play.

The play was dictated by Tavistock's Flo Rodgers at number nine while Lizzie Crocker came close on two occasions but in spite of all her efforts she was unable to score.

This was again a great team display showing their ability to match their play to the prevailing weather conditions.

Okehampton U14s 7

Launceston U14s 0

THIS was a second consecutive 7-0 win for Okehampton U14s and another game in which the wet weather played its part.

Okehampton started with the wind behind them and dominated the opening half of the match without managing to create a score. They battered away at the visitors' defence, barely leaving the Launceston 22. However, stout rearguard defence by the all blacks ensured the match remained scoreless at the change around.

In the second half Oke made changes but still had the majority of territory and possession. The wet and windy conditions resulted in a forward oriented battle, and it looked like a draw would be the likely outcome. Both sides were cancelling each other out, but as time ticked away Oke made one final charge. They eventually plundered the winning score with the last play of the match, and it was fitting that it was the outstanding George Ogbourne that was rewarded after a player of the match display, the powerful forward barged his way over by the posts to snatch victory. Ben Mckenna Smith added the conversion and the final whistle went on another fine home victory for the improving Oke side.

Okehampton U12s 14

Withycombe U12s 7

PLAYED in ever deteriorating wet, muddy and windy conditions, both sides played a nail biting game of rugby for the spectators. 

Okehampton started the strongest, displaying some good rucking skills, setting up a scrum five yards out from the Withycombe line.  The scrum led to Okehampton showing good strength and a quick show and go from Scrumhalf Joshua Burgoyne allowed him to slide in for the first try. 

After ten minutes of play, the Oke forwards went off the boil, allowing Withycombe to come back with a converted try of their own. 

With the weather worsening, and difficulty in seeing which team was which, the game turned into a war upfront between the two packs.  Greg Haste and Will Cunningham both returned Withycombe kicks gaining good ground.  James Stevens, Cole Pengelly, Jack Rutley, Saul Holliday and Barnaby Waddell gave their all in the forwards battle, with Waddell being rewarded with a try to seal the game for Okehampton, after another strong driving run.  Charlie Glanville and Joshua McCulloch tackled well in the centres. 

James Close, Harry Laing-Taylor, Sonny Luxton, Daniel Tomkins and George Cox all held their own throughout. 

With the game at 14-7 to Okehampton their defensive prowess came to the fore, holding their line with determination, forcing Withycombe into several turn overs, keeping the ball moving in the right direction. 

All the Okehampton side played their part on what was a miserable, wet day.

Okehampton scorers: tries, Joshua Burgoyne and Barnaby Waddell; conversions, Joshua Burgoyne and James Close.

Okehampton U10s 65

Paignton U10s 20

STARTING off in an inch of mud was always going to make this a hard and tiring game for the young players.

Paignton looked good and were not shy about getting stuck in and put in some superb aggressive tackles with some strong players pushing forward; however, Oke were on form and replied in strength.

On a wide pitch Oke's fast runners used it to its best advantage against a slower Paignton side with Joe, Jacob and loan getting down the side to score a few times.

Oke remained solid and played well to take the lead with Seth pushing hard in rucks and Aiden, Ioan and Cameron making some crunching tackles. They had stepped up their game and played to win.

Marcus, Ethan, Isaac, Holly and Elliot for Oke put in some great grabs and showed some aggression in getting the ball for Oke. They dominated the game but Paignton did not give in. Great team awareness by Alex and Elliot for Oke and passing the ball allowed for some great play after good driving mauls from their team to bring this game to end and a comprehensive win for the U10s.

Okehampton tries: Joe 4, Ioan, Aiden, Cameron, Elliot 2, Jacob 3 and Isaac.