Okehampton U16s 29

Plymstock U16s 7

OKEHAMPTON played the slope well, and defended strongly when required to see off a spirited Plymstock side.

This was a crucial match for the Oke boys, as they look to secure their place in the end of season league play-off finals. They had already played Plymstock away twice this season with a won one, lost one record so far.

Plymstock had the slope and rain behind them first up, but Oke soon showed they meant business.

Greg Daniel for Oke threw a long pass out to centre Harry Cole on the halfway line after ten minutes, and the strong running midfielder beat the defence on the outside to open the scoring. Ben Mckenna-Smith added the extra two.

Oke continued to dominate up front and after several good phases of play Plymstock infringed and conceded a penalty as a result. Ben Mckenna-Smith continued his good form with the boot to land the kick and make it 10-0 mid-way through the first half.

As the match approached the break Oke extended their lead with a second try. This time it was the pack that did the damage. After spoiling a Plymstock lineout 20 metres out, Oke set up a powerful drive. Eventually the melee bundled over the whitewash and number eight Greg Daniel was awarded the score. Mckenna-Smith added the conversion again to make it 17-0.

Oke then switched off completely from the restart, and paid the price as Plymstock took full advantage to score after the home side fumbled the kick off.

At 17-7 ahead Oke started the second period well, while home half backs Holliday and Horn kicked intelligently throughout to turn the opposition, forcing them to try and attack from deep.

Oke spent long periods camped within the Plymstock 22 and two more tries arose from the sustained pressure. Firstly Greg Daniel forced his way over from the back of the scrum to make it 22-0 before Oke wrapped up the win with a bonus point fourth try. This time it was Harry Cole’s turn to bag a brace as he cut a good line through midfield from a set scrum to cross by the posts. Ben Mckenna-Smith converted, and although Oke had to defend stoutly throughout the closing minutes they were never in any real danger.

This was a fine win and next week sees the boys in search of the sun as they head off to Bournemouth on tour.

Plymstock U15s 12

Okehampton U15s 46

RAIN proved to cause problems for both sides with the slippery ball being spilled many times throughout the game.

Plymstock kicked off and immediately put Okehampton under pressure, winning an early lineout. The home side continued to gain ground and despite a superb try saving tackle from Kai Middleton they eventually found another way through to score the opening try.

Some sloppy play from Oke gifted Plymstock a second soon after as a lazy pass was intercepted to be dotted down between the posts and extend their lead to 12 points. This score finally gave Oke the kick in the pants they needed. After winning the next lineout and some great work from Kai to gain ground, Brad Simmons span a superb pass to George Dickinson, who dodged tackles to score the visitors’first points.

With confidence restored George Harding, who had a great game at full back, created the space from which Brad was able to pass to Tom Stevens, who charged through to level the score.

A knock on in the next lineout gave Okehampton a scrum that saw the ball come to Noah Cracknell, who sped through from 50 metres out to score. A superb conversion from George D gave Okehampton a 12-19 lead.

The next phase of play saw some superb work from Oke’s Tom Arthurs, Kallum Dennett and especially Daniel Turney, who played a superb game, almost resulted in another score just before half time. Straight from the kick off Oke attacked and concerted pressure from the forwards allowed Tom S to break and chase with George D, who grounded to make it 12-24.

Plymstock however, played some excellent rugby of their own, especially in the scrum where, despite having a lighter pack, they were getting the upper hand.

Oke scored again though with a fabulous team try that saw the ball move through every player’s hands before reaching Noah who scored his second try.

Okehampton continued to attack with vigour and also showed excellent defence thanks to tenacious tackling from Mo Taylor in particular.

There was good work from Joe Stevens at hooker and Ben Bolt at scrum half.

Despite a final rally from Plymstock, which saw their biggest forward denied by Dan T holding up the ball on the try line, Okehampton secured victory with further tries from Noah and two from Tom S, each claiming a hat-trick.

Okehampton U12s 15

Paignton U12s 5

OKEHAMPTON U12s surpassed themselves this week with a winning combination of determination, communication, focus and great sportsmanship. It was not only effective but exciting to watch, as Paignton were repeatedly blocked, tackled, driven, decked, dodged and outrun, despite the speed and stature of many of their players.

Paignton were first to score a try but Oke were eager to avoid another defeat and with vastly improved tackling skills and enriched confidence they seized every opportunity to drive the ball forwards.

They kept their opponents under constant pressure and their unwavering focus and awareness of play enabled them to read the game, identify and create advantages for the team, trusting each other to follow through. They kept a very tight-looking line across the pitch, along which the ball effortlessly flowed, again and again, paving the way to the try line for Jacob, Marcus and Luca.

Every player had a moment to shine and prove himself, and on each occasion, his team was right behind him in support. The side is rapidly-maturing as a squad, casting aside individual glory to immerse themselves in team spirit, reaping rewards justly reflected in the results. Marcus Reed was player of the match for displaying his versatility, courage and ability to read the game.

Okehampton U11s 60

Paignton U11s 5

THIS was a calm game against a quieter Paignton team than Okehampton had encountered previously.

An early try for Oke’s Saul was followed by an easy dart for Callum for score. Passing throughout the team was good, all looked very relaxed for the home team.

Lachs for Oke scored a try and play continued with all the boys supporting each other.

Toby made a great catch and was tackled into touch which momentarily woke the visitors up. Dan put in a sterling run which nearly resulted in a try, but he was bought down just fingertips away. Adam ran and gave a long pass to Will which he caught superbly; again he was unlucky not to make the try.

However, soon Oke piled up the tries with one for Ed and Will and two by Dan.

The second half carried on much as the first with two tries for Adam and one for Shea, following a good offload from Saul.

Alex did not back down throughout the game, snapping at the heels of those who crossed his path; a try for him plus another for Will sealed the game for the dominant Okehampton team.