League and Devon Cup quarter-final

Okehampton U16s 32

Tiverton U16s 7

OKEHAMPTON U16s started with such physicality and intensity that they were soon to take the lead they would never relinquish in a game that doubled up as a league and Devon Cup quarter-final encounter.

The home side were committed took the lead through an unconverted try from Robbie Griffith after the visitors were pulled left then right before the winger scored wide out on the left. It was not long before they extended their lead, Conor Stevens made the breakthrough the middle; the ball was recycled and as Oli Francis cut such a good line that he went over from close range unopposed; Lewis Taylor added the extras.

Following a period of parity where the play was mainly in the middle third, Okehampton nudged further in front when the visitors were penalised for coming in at the side and Taylor slotted the kick home. Oke turned the screw at this point and were stretching the Tiverton resolve. It was fly-half, Rhys Palmer who was next to score as the visitors fell for a fine show and go as he went in unopposed under the posts, leaving Taylor with an easy kick.

Tiverton were not going to roll over though and just before half-time enjoyed their best period in what was almost a pivotal moment of the game. The home side were under tremendous pressure for a while but their scramble defence kept their nerve and the tackles were ferocious as the Okes were determined to protect their line. Oli Francis saw yellow for one indiscretion too many but they remained resolute as the referee blew for half-time.

Now playing down the slope the Okes started the half brightly. Great interplay between centres Stevens and Taylor created space as they ran amok and that allowed Dan Fogerty the space to wriggle over.

Play became very stretched as both sides looked to run the ball in near perfect conditions but the Okes secured the victory when they broke down the left and Jack Davey showed a clean pair of heels to touch down, despite a last ditch tackle.

With a 30-point lead the Okes took their foot off the pedal as the visitors a converted consolation score they thoroughly deserved in an entertaining game.