Topsham Colts 10

Tavistock Colts 0

TAVISTOCK can hold their heads high after a dogged display at Topsham.

Travelling with only 14 players, Tavistock had the daunting prospect of playing against a squad of 23, who were able to rotate their players throughout this fixture. Nevertheless, Tavistock dominated the opening quarter, keeping possession and pinning their opponents back in their own half.

Back rowers Theo Cousins and Billy Rowe gave a masterclass in tackling and work at the break down and many Topsham players were left reeling from their physicality. Scrum half George Hillson commanded play from the base of the scrum and made several breaks from the base of the ruck.

One break down the short side made space for winger Sean Donnelly to have a clear run but unfortunately the pass didn’t go to hand. Centres Dom Hall and Ethan Lamerton also tackled ferociously throughout the game and both made line breaks. Playing in an unfamiliar role on the wing Morgan Warnett showed his abilities in both defence and attack, coming in off his wing to snuff out overlaps and then exchanging passes neatly with Lamerton to keep Tavistock going forward.

As the half progressed Topsham started to use their forwards more and this made some headway. Again though powerful work from the Tavistock pack kept them at bay. Prop Harry Jeans secured several crucial turnovers and half backs Hillson and Chris Watts both kicked well clearing Tavistock’s lines, meaning that the first half ended scoreless.

Playing into the wind in the second half didn’t deter Tavistock from continuing in the same vain. Billy Rowe, Ben Luke and Cameron McKie all carried the ball strongly and Will Gardner worked tirelessly, scrapping for every bit of possession and forcing the home side into errors. Alex Lewandowski covered the hooker position and played there with aplomb. He was fiercely competitive throughout, tackling strongly while still keeping the lineout functioning effectively. Ben Milligan looked to run from deep from full back but unfortunately as the game moved into its last 10 to 15 minutes Tavistock just started to run out of puff. They conceded one unconverted score after some good work from the Topsham forwards and despite still looking to move forward for a score of their own they ran out of defenders in the last couple of minutes, conceding a second score.

Okehampton U15s 31

Bideford U15s 14

OKEHAMPTON U15s played Bideford on Oaklands’ muddy back pitch in a very hard fought and exciting game, with both sides playing some excellent rugby in challenging conditions.

The Okes came out of the traps at full tilt and made their intentions known with some aggressive tackling that put the visitors under immediate pressure. Good recycling and quick hands gave the home side the confidence to play an expansive game, and claimed the first points through a well-worked try from Daichi Budiman, with captain Ewan Northcott converting.

Bideford are an extremely good side, and they pushed hard for an equalising try. The Okes’ defence was magnificent, however, and it looked like they would keep the visitors out, but a Bideford penalty just inside the ten metre line gave the platform from which to score a good try and conversion.

There then followed a superb passage of play, with both sides looking for an opening, but another penalty to Bideford close to the posts was quickly taken and they broke through to score. The try was converted and the visitors led 7-14 at half time.

The Okes started the second with all cylinders firing, and some magnificent work from the centres and forwards allowing Under 14 player Dan Tomkins to find space and break through strongly to score.

Ewan converted and the Okes were back on level terms. Soon after, the home side was back in attack, and Brad Simmons dodged a number of tackles to score a fine try. Bideford continued to battle however, battering the Okes’ defences, but they couldn’t get through, and after turning over the ball the home side pushed hard to Bideford’s line.

The ball was secured and Kallum Dennett spotted a gap to score his first try of the season. With the score at 26-14, Okehampton’s confidence was soaring, and this was shown as the team turned defence into attack, halting Bideford at the 22 and running the ball back, the forwards and backs in perfect harmony, to complete a move that ended with Daichi diving over for a beautiful try. It was a great end to a fabulous team performance and it’s impossible to single out players for praise as each and every one gave 100%.

Bideford U11s 10

Okehampton U11s 45

AN early try from Lachs set the game rolling for Okehampton.

The first ruck saw great teamwork from Toby, Callum and Josh. Bideford stole the ball and made a good run, but were soon tackled by Will which led to a great offload from Toby allowing Saul to score his first try.

Saul soon followed with his second try. Strong teamwork from Chris, Dan and Will let Adam through with a try-saving tackle against Bideford. Strong support from Chris in the ruck meant that Saul was free for try number three. This was followed by a period of great play from both teams, but Oke stayed strong and Will scored his try.

The second half saw Callum and Lachs involved in a powerful drive and Callum scored a try. Next came a super run from Adam to score his try. More fantastic tackles from Will and Saul forced Bideford into touch several times.

Toby and Josh supported Callum and he scored his second try, swiftly followed by a third thanks to a tackle from Saul.

The Oke lads were tiring due to the pitch conditions. A long run by Dan was followed by a tackle from Jacob. A great chase by Josh stopped Bideford from scoring, but they finally managed to break through the strong defence of Lachs, Dan and Chris and took their second try.

Bideford U9s 29

Okehampton U9s 19

WITH a small squad of eight, Okehampton travelled to Bideford and arrived to find a very muddy pitch and a large Bideford squad of 20+.

The coaches decided to play two Okehampton teams of four, with two extra Bideford players making each team consist of six.

The overall score does not reflect an outstanding performance by Okehampton, with both teams securing their first draw of the season in each of their first games (5-5 and 6-6). The second game did see most players tiring which was certainly understandable with the muddy conditions.

Okehampton demonstrated some good robust running in each of the games from Joe, Conlaed, Lucy and Ollie, often with several Bideford players hanging onto them whilst doing so.

Hector, Vinnie and Pheobe all made some fast, weaving runs. Amy had a good game running strongly and scoring a great try. Some brilliant teamwork and defensive play prevented a Bideford try in one of the games, eventually ending in a turn over ball to Okehampton.

Lucy made a superb run over two thirds of the pitch which resulted in a try for Hector. Overall better passing, good support work and great tackling by all players.

Try scorers: Hector 3, Pheobe 2, Ollie 2, Amy 1, Lucy 1, Vinnie 1, with the remaining tries being made up by the extra Bideford players.