Tavistock U13s 46

Bideford U 13s 46

TAVISTOCK U13s played their last league match of the season away against Bideford on Sunday.

Bideford threatened to score early on, with a chip over the Tavistock defence, but a great catch by Bert fed to Charlie and Braidy enabled Tavistock to open the scoring.

Another quick try from a scrum by Charlie gave Tavistock what looked like a secure lead, but Bideford regrouped with two converted tries, then kept the lead till the closing minutes of the first half, when Matt converted Charlie's try to equalise at 29-29.

The second half was even more exciting, with three tries scored by each side, but an even more fast-paced and attacking game. Tavistock were a little unlucky to concede a try under the posts in the last seconds of the game, but the drawn final score was a fair reflection of two closely matched teams.

OKEHAMPTON U11s made the annual pilgrimage to the Devon-wide rugby festival, this time travelling to Exmouth RFC in good heart after their triumph in last week's mini festival held at Paignton.

They faced a tricky opener against the side they beat in last week's final- Honiton. Though they were victorious by two Greg Daniel tries, converted by Corey Holliday, to one, they were lacklustre and off the pace. They lost their next and final group match beaten 12-0 by a Crediton side to whom they had never previously lost.

It meant Oke went into the sudden death Shield competition for group runners up. They cantered through their quarter final, winning 35-0 against a Barbarians side. Their next match was Tavistock in the semi finals where they won a hard fought encounter 7-0 after another Daniel try and Holliday conversion.

In the final they had a tough looking match up against Sidmouth side that was reigning county champions. Oke started the game at pace and up the tackle rate considerably. An early swoop for a try by Leon Horne gave Oke a vital early lead. Corey Holliday converted and even though Oke camped on the south Devon side's line, they could not gain the important second score in the first period.

Sidmouth came back strongly in the second half, but Oke showed great heart, commitment and teamwork to hold firm under pressure and seal a priceless victory - and win silverware for the second consecutive week. The whole squad can once more hold their heads high and be proud of another hard day's rugby against the best the county has to offer at this age group.

Exeter Chief U10s 45

Okehampton U10s 35

OKEHAMPTON started with some really good rucking but Chiefs were first to put points on the board.

James McCulloch put in some strong tackles for Oke; when the ball went loose Chiefs made for their line they were pushed out for a line out to Okehampton, who won the ball for James (three tries) to score. A scrum given to Chiefs was easily won by Oke to hook the ball for Gareth who passed it out to James again to score.

Nathan (two tries) followed quickly over the try line keeping Chiefs on their toes. One last drive towards the try line by Tom Stevens saw him bundled into touch and the whistle blown for half time with the scores level.

In the second half Joe Stevens scooped up loose ball to make a run for the line but was brought down by Chiefs defence; undeterred Gareth zipped through to put Oke's in the lead.

Chiefs' quick restarts caught Oke napping as their number 11 flew up the wing and scored. Captain Brad Simmons put in a try saving tackle keeping the score a lot closer than it could have been.

Exeter Chief U10s

Okehampton U10s

IN this friendly but competitive match Oke tries came from Daichi (1 try), Imogen (3), Nathan (2), Gareth (1) and James (1). Oke players of the match were Gareth Crome and Lewis Reynolds.

Exeter Chiefs U9s 20

Okehampton U9s reds 25

THE clash of the season between the two unbeaten sides was won by the Okes players, after two thrilling halves of rugby. 

Cole Pengelly (2), Will Cunningham (3) and James Close all made valuable contributions throughout, with some good runs and clean tackling.  Joshua Burgoyne carried well from the base of the scrum.  Ethan Wilds, Daniel Wonnacott and Joshua McCullock all produced some superb hits in defence, driving the Chiefs back and halting attacks.

Daniel Tomkins and James Stevens both put in strong all round forward performances in and around the ruck and maul areas. 

After a second half which felt like an eternity, the young Okes held out to the end, defending with real courage and determination. 

 

Exeter Chiefs U9s 0

Oke U9s greens 35

THE second match saw a brave Chiefs side out played and out scored convincingly. 

Ben Wharton (3), Jake Laing-Taylor (1) and Harry Laing-Taylor (1) all had outstanding games.  Ben carried well, scoring three well taken tries.  Jake and Harry played their best games of the season while Robert Whitby held his own on the wing.  George Cox and Matthew Denning both scored great breakaway tries, with George making several blistering runs.

Saul Holliday again made a nuisance of himself during mauls with David Smith and Jordan Mills both played their parts well.  Sonny Luxton laid back good clean ball at the contact point, for others to ruck over. 

The team produced a great performance, clinical to the end and never taking their foot off the gas.