Fisherman’s League shield final

Okehampton U16s 21

Tavistock U16s 10

OKEHAMPTON U16s topped off a great season with victory over an excellent Tavistock side in a thrilling Fisherman’s League Shield final at Brixham’s Astley Park.

Despite the tricky conditions of dark skies and rain, the pitch at least was softer. In front of a large good spirited crowd of supporters from both clubs, Okehampton kicked off and proceeded to camp down in Tavistock’s half for 10 minutes.

However, Tavistock’s defence was superb, soaking up all the pressure before clearing their lines with a kick to Okehampton’s 22. The pendulum now swung in Tavistock’s favour and they asked questions of Okehampton’s defence, which they answered until a player was sin binned for a rash incident off the ball. Tavistock then also had a player carded, so with 14 players apiece, battle recommenced.

Both sides hammered at each other’s lines, looking to break the deadlock, until at last Tavistock won a penalty. They elected to kick, and slotted home to take a three-point lead. Then straight from the restart Tavistock ran the ball and broke through some weak tackles to almost reach the line, but a knock-on from let Okehampton off the hook and they held out.

Okehampton came out all guns blazing after the break with 10 minutes of breathless attacking rugby, which Tavistock defended well against until a penalty for offside allowed Oke to set up Tom Stevens to crash through for the opening try. Ewan Northcott converted to put Okehampton 7-3 ahead.

Tavistock responded to set up a bridgehead from which they were able to score a great try and conversion to go back in the lead at 7-10.

The final 20 minutes of the match was a superb display from both teams as the ball went back and forth with attack and counter attack. With Tavistock pressing, Okehampton cleared their lines. Replacement scrum half Josh Burgoyne made a superb break from just outside his own 22. Tom Stevens was in support to collect the offload and power through under the posts. Northcott’s conversion restored the Oke lead.

With just four minutes left Tavy were on the attack but Okehampton won a penalty, which they kicked to touch. What followed was the best rolling maul the Okes have produced all season and they were awarded a penalty try as Tavistock collapsed it on the line. The simple conversion gave Okehampton an unassailable 21-10 point lead.

The players’ joy at the final whistle was fabulous to see and to claim silverware in their last ever game as juniors made it an extra special day for coach Wayne Middleton.

Okehampton expressed a special mention to Tavistock for a sporting, hard-fought match and it was only fitting that these two great local rivals should deliver such a fantastic game of rugby.