Devon Cup

Okehampton U16s 3

Barnstaple U16s 10

FROM the kick-off in this first round tie Barnstaple showed they were a strong team by winning scrums, lineouts and turning over the ball in rucks and mauls.

With all the pressure Barnstaple should have taken the lead with a try in the corner with a two man overlap only for the centre to take the ball back into the heart of Oke defence.

Okehampton worked the ball up the field only for Barnstaple to concede a penalty which Oke put wide.

The game was then played out in the middle of the field with strong play from both teams but Barnstaple took the lead with a penalty kick just before half time.

Early in the second half Kyler for Oke took a high ball under pressure from the full back which Oke then kicked straight back to the opposition to run through only for a try saving tackle by Luke L on the five metre line. Barnstaple kept up the pressure on the Oke line but the defence held firm and repelled them on two occasions but the visitors eventually broke  through the middle to score under the post which was converted.

Okehampton U16s came back at Barnstaple with more commitment, stepping up the work rate which resulted in Paddy picking the ball from the back of a ruck to drive over but with no support was held up on the line. Oke were then awarded a penalty which Billy converted,

As the game came to an end Oke missed opportunities with some poor decisions in front of the Barnstaple try line. Okehampton player of the match was Paddy Nash.