Devon plate

Brixham U14s 0

Okehampton U14s 34

IN a mature performance that belied the wet and windy conditions, Okehampton booked their berth in the quarter-finals of this year's Devon Plate.

It was clear from the outset that the young Okes had their minds focused on the task in hand and were not going to let the difficult conditions deter them.

It took only five minutes for them to register the first points as the ball was moved nicely along the line and up the slope. Surrogate centre Greg Daniel spotted a gap and made a good outside break from 25 metres to dot down wide out. The conversion was missed but Okehampton continued on the front foot.

As normal, the Oke forwards were providing a good supply of ball and the backs were using it intelligently through the hands, taking the difficult option of moving it uphill against the slope. Some determined Brixham defence kept them at bay for ten minutes before more good hands saw outside centre Harry Cole tackled on the line before off-loading to winger Ben McKenna-Smith to score in the corner. Again the extras were forsaken in the tricky conditions.

The next try was the best of the day. Quick ruck ball was sent up the line to McKenna-Smith; he broke infield linking again with the re-aligned backs. The ball came out to Ollie Arden on the opposite wing who needed no second invitation to scoot over in the corner. Leon Horn slotted the difficult kick and Okehampton led 17-0 at the interval but would have to play into the wind and against the slope in the second period.

However, any hopes of a Brixham comeback were put to bed within five minutes as Greg Daniel went up the slope to cross once more from distance. This followed a sharp break from scrum-half Horn who did well to link with half-back partner Joseph Stratton who ghosted the ball on to Daniel to do the rest. No extras this time but the Okes could sense the tie was won.

Slick hands up the slope again bore fruit as Ollie Ardon bagged his brace when Harry Cole again off-loaded in the tackle, and the scoring was completed shortly afterwards when McKenna-Smith raced in from 45 metres after a good overlap had been created. He converted the try himself to leave the final tally as 34-0.

A good effort all round with some strong defensive performances in the pack from Adam Wonnacott, Adam Creasy and Jack Ogborne being matched in the backs by Greg Daniel. In attack the backs played with purpose all game, orchestrated by Joseph Stratton who passed and ran with guile and precision.

Okehampton have now gone four games without conceding a point and will look to continue this form next week at home against local rivals Tavistock.

Launceston U13s 7

Tavistock U13s 5

TAVISTOCK U13s travelled to Launceston prepared for the rain, water and lots of mud and the visitors started brightly and with conviction, with the ball being won consistently in the rucks.

It meant the backs were able to move the ball from across the pitch quickly and fluidly. Scrum half Tom Pearson and fly half Jacob Staig worked well together giving a strong centre pairing of Zac Gorton and Lachlan Fulton time to use the ball wisely and ultimately giving Conner Baker the chance to run through for a try in the first ten minutes. Jack Smyly put a great kick in from a difficult angle which grazed the upright to just miss.

Tavistock kept the pressure up and were unlucky not to get a second try when Tom McKensie nearly broke through, just a yard from the Launceston line. Great play from Jason Blake, who created three turnovers by stealing the ball in the maul, helped Tavistock dominate the first half.

Launceston came back at the start of the second half with a quick try through the middle of the field which was converted.

The Tavistock team then showed incredible resilience through the tough conditions, with the energy sapping mud at their feet, defending their line valiantly.

Twenty minutes passed with a number of try saving tackles from Zac Clifford Flower, John Lord, Joe Burbage and Archie Allen all keeping the visitors in the game and showing their strength and depth. It was a great attacking first half and a tremendous defending second half by Tavistock,

Although the score showed a win to Launceston, the Tavistock team took great pride in the way they played, through a complete team effort. The coaches could not have asked for more from their players.

Tavistock U7s 5 tries

Okehampton U7s 4 tries

Seven hard fought matches saw the Tavistock under 7s taking some great tags in defence as well as scoring some excellent tries to win with an overall score 48 -38.

Okehampton settled in well and ran through for the first try. This was quickly followed up by some excellent passing from Tavistock which led to Matthew running through the defence for the first try. Okehampton took the lead again just before half time. But Tavistock came back strongly with JJ, playing his first game, picking up a dropped ball, passing to Gabriel who ran three quarters of the pitch to touch down.

Okehampton came straight back, but then some excellent team work from Tavistock saw them turn over the ball after three tags. Matthew again ran through for the try and then completed his hat-trick after an Okehampton try. Gabriel then gave Tavistock the win just before the end.

Tavistock U7s 5 tries

Okehampton U7s 7 tries

THERE was some excellent tagging in this game from Tavistock, with each of the team making great effort in defence.

However, Okehampton had some fast players who ran through repeatedly. Edward managed to find a gap through the defence before being tagged. His pass to Finlay saw him run through with the first of two tries. William A also put in another strong performance, running the length of the pitch for the first of his hat trick of tries.

Tavistock U7s 6 tries

Okehampton U7s 4 tries

Tavistock used this match to give ten of its players a run out, with rolling substitutes made throughout the game.

Most improved player of the week Dominic made some excellent runs and ran through with two tries as well as taking some great tags in defence. Twice in this match Tavistock won possession after taking five tags. Finlay made another fine run through the Oke defence to score again and Alastair, William A and JJ were also on the scoresheet.

Tavistock U7s 8 tries

Okehampton U7s 2 tries

A high scoring game this one with Jack scoring four tries, William T-Y three and George one. Some great tagging and defensive play from the whole team, particularly Fergus and George. Twice the play was turned over to Tavistock after they took five tags in a row.

Tavistock U7s 7 tries

Okehampton U7s 7 tries

AN evenly matched game, with some great moves in defence and attack from player of the week Nathan. He scored four tries, once running the length of the pitch and showing some good side-steps to avoid the Oke defence. Also touching down with tries were Brendan and Lewis, with Michael drawing the game level right at the end.

Tavistock U7s 8 tries

Okehampton U7s 5 tries

LOTS of good defensive play by Tavistock in this game with plenty of tags being taken. Jack was the high scorer with six. George and William T-Y got one apiece.

Tavistock U7s 9 tries

Okehampton U7s 9 tries

Another high scoring but evenly matched game. Lewis touched down four tries as well as making some good runs. Michael and Nathan both scored two and Brendan one. Some really fine team work in all these games.