Honiton U13s

Okehampton U13s 40

WITH more players on a larger pitch and playing for 25 minutes each way, together with some new rules, the opening game of the season was an exciting one to watch — both teams were eager and strong.

Shortie opened the game for Okehampton with a kick and a wide open run for Honiton to score the first try. Oke were slowly making ground into the Honiton half but they lost the ball. A Honiton kick saw a foul on an Oke player; a tap and go was passed to Adam, who barged through and scored.

Play started again with an Oke kick which did not go far enough so Honiton chose a scrum on the half way line. Making his debut for Oke, Reuben showed he is a good all round player who can tackle well and was never one to shy away. A kick by Shea was chased by Saul but he was tackled close to the try line.

Oke picked the ball and despite lots of passing they just could not get over the try line. Throughout the game Dan for Oke showed a new level of confidence as he fully immersed himself in the game and was a valuable member of the team throughout.

Saul’s speed was no match for some of the Honiton lads as he chased and tackled them. Oke were showing quick hands in passing, making their way into the Honiton half. A scrum saw Josh pick and pass to Saul to score; a further scrum resulted in Dan scoring another.

The next phase saw Saul tackled, picked by Dan who passed to Josh who squeezed through to take his try. The final try of this half was from Saul, which signalled half time.

The second half started with gusto but the larger pitch was beginning to wear on both teams. A maul led to Honiton scoring a try although there were a couple of disallowed and held up tries for Oke in this half.

Honiton scored three tries in this half with some fast and determined sprints. A further try for Honiton was stopped by Adam when he nudged him into touch.

Then another good passage of teamwork from Oke saw Dan score and a further two tries for Saul.

There was some excellent teamwork from Oke players old and new with forwards and backs all scoring, an exciting season ahead.