Okehampton U15s 19

Midsomer Norton

U15s 12

FOR their last few games of the season Okehampton U15s are playing a series of matches against touring sides. After last week’s solid win against Chew Valley with a weakened side, confidence was high for another good performance against Midsomer Norton with the team almost back to full strength.

The lads got off to a bright start with an early try from Daichi Budiman, which came from some good forward pressure to steal the ball and set up the platform for him to pick and go.

Midsomer Norton came back immediately attacking Oke with determination, but some valiant defence and strong tackling from Tom Arthurs, Dan Turney and Ewan Northcott kept them at bay. However, the visitors were proving to be an accomplished, physically strong side and eventually they found a way through to equalise.

At this point Okehampton began to wobble a bit, with passes going astray and a few too many turnovers given away. However, some excellent work from Mo Taylor and Joe Stevens, combined with the tenaciousness of Kai Middleton got the ball out to Brad Simmons who flicked a neat pass to Noah Cracknell, who found space to burst through to score beneath the posts. Ewan converted.

The second half saw the visitors continue to fight hard for their next score, and they almost found the try line on a few occasions, but again some sterling defence from Ethan Baker and Kallum Dennett plus a great steal from Greg Solkin helped to keep the attackers out.

Some typically tricky running from George Harding also ensured the home side stayed in front. Oke mounted a number of forays into Midsomer Norton territory, with George Dickinson almost breaking through a couple of times.

Okehampton’s hard work was finally rewarded when Dan and Tom A combined to get the ball to Tom Stevens who powered his way to the line. Ewan converted the try and the Okes were 19-5 ahead. However when Okehampton failed to secure the loose ball from a lineout Midsomer Norton scooped it up to dot down under the posts. The points were converted to set up a tense final few minutes with Ben Bolt and Zac Bell joining the fray as Oke defended their slender lead.

Some strong ball carrying from Ollie Browne got the home side back deep into the visitors’ territory and it was just a matter of pinning them down until the final whistle, the Oke’s claiming victory in this tough, exciting match enjoyed by both players and spectators.

Okehampton U14s 14

Plymstock U14s 34

OKEHAMPTON welcomed their nemesis to Oaklands Park on a beautiful sunny morning. 

From the outset Plymstock meant business, dominating the first 15 minutes, with all credit to Okehampton for their superb defence.  Despite their efforts, Plymstock crossed Okehampton’s line twice in quick succession with two well taken tries. 

Oke responded well, stepping up their game and taking it to their visitors in the last ten minutes of the first half.  They were rewarded with two tries, the first saw Will Cunningham kick through with Plymstock missing the pick up, allowing Will to collect and cross the line.  Just on half time, Plymstock lost their own ball in their 22, to see Daniel Tomkins pick up and drive over to score.  Okehampton’s conversions:  Will Cunningham (2).

The second half was again dominated by Plymstock, with some loose tackling from Okehampton allowing the visitors to score four more tries. 

Next week Okehampton welcome two touring teams from the Gloucester area.

Plymstock U12s 8

Okehampton U12s 3

THE last game of the season found Okehampton U12s away to Plymstock - who are a physical team and difficult to play against.

Nevertheless, the courageous Okes took them head-on and proved themselves no walk-over, with some fierce countering and fabulous teamwork. Plymstock were two up in the second quarter, when, from a maul on the Okehampton try line, the Oke forwards (Isaac, Luke, Seth) counter-mauled, Marcus ripped the ball and passed to Ethan, who found his gap and flew up the pitch to score Okehampton’s first try.

In the third quarter, Ethan ripped the ball himself, made the gap, and tore up the pitch again to put down a second.

In spite of sustaining several injuries during this rough match, the Okes were unwavering and as determined as ever. They put on an excellent show of skills and sports-manship. Oscar took down a Plymstock player twice his size, with some great support from the team, who dramatically pushed Plymstock out and reclaimed the ball.

Harry showed his usual tenacity running in for the ball at every opportunity; Sam took the initiative and got stuck in on several occasions; Rene had a few good runs and Tom was as reliable as ever with his sharp tackling and great teamwork.

Morgan’s input as scrum-half proved invaluable, scoring Okehampton’s third and final try of the match while Jacob kicked and chased from the Oke 22, catching the ball off the bounce. He was tackled, but Marcus was there to pick up and he popped to Morgan, who scampered the last 10 metres, going over in the corner.

Special mention to a deserving Oscar Bridger, one of Oke’s newest but most dedicated players.

Okehampton U11s

Broad Plain U11s OKEHAMPTON U11’s final game of the season was against touring team Broad Plain, from Bristol. The sun shone for its final game of the season and the boys were as keen now as they were at the beginning of the season.

Some skilful play was seen against a slight visiting team, the home boys always having the upper hand although Broad Plain found their rhythm towards the end of the match.

Oke tries came with some successful conversions from Saul, Callum, Adam, Shea, Lachs, Toby, Dan, Will, Alex, Josh and Ed, back up came from Shortie, Jacob, Craddock, Ben and Chris. Well done to all the players who have taken part this season and many thanks to Clare, Dave and Speedy for their support of the boys.

Tavistock U9s 5 tries

Devonport U9s 8 tries

THE Tavistock team had a bit of a lesson in rugby in their final matches of the season.

A strong Devonport team had run in three tries almost before the Tavistock side had got their bearings. There was some strong tackling from Max, Ernie and Jack before Tavistock won the ball and Jack showed off his trademark burst of speed and weaved through the Devonport defence to touch down the first of two tries. Strong tackling from James and Alastair kept Tavistock in the game but Devonport made good use of the space to keep the ball out wide.

William A snatched up a fumbled pass though and made a great run through to score his first of two.  Some powerful straight running from Matthew, backed up by Alastair and Michael used George P to pass the ball out to Max to score.

Devonport remained strong though and despite a superb run across the pitch from Jack to put in a great tackle, they just managed to keep the Tavistock side at bay.

Tavistock U9s 2 tries

Devonport U9s 7 tries

THIS Tavistock side got the measure of the Devonport boys much better from the start and it was some outstanding tackling from Finlay and Dominic that kept them in the game.

There was some great passing from Joe, George M and Nathan moving the ball well out to Lewis who made some great runs. He was rewarded in the second half with a try. 

William TY was forceful through the middle of the Devonport defence, popping back to Dominic and Lewis who saw Joe in to score. 

Some lovely runs too from Austin, Tom and George M kept the pressure on, but Tavistock couldn’t quite convert into a scoring opportunity.

Tavistock won a turnover ball after seven consecutive tackles in the closing minutes of the game. They battled hard right to the end.

OKEHAMPTON RFC’s U14s, 15s and 16s left en masse to attend the Bournemouth Junior Rugby Festival, staying at Sandford Holiday Park. 

The whole tour proved to be a great success on all levels, with the U14s winning the cup.  The young Okes were unbeaten in all five of their games against Redingensians (20-5), Wallingford (10-5), Weymouth (20-10), Bath (15-10) and finally Bournemouth (35-0) and played some superb rugby.  The players were all presented with tour polo shirts, with the U14s’ shirts sponsored by W T Endacotts. 

Sarah Burgoyne, on behalf of the club, said: ’A big thank you must go to all those who helped support the tour funding raising, The Rotary Club, Okehampton Lions, Okehampton Town Council, the Taw River Inn and everyone else who came along to the various organised events.  Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the weekend, which saw the lads proudly represent their club, showcasing some great rugby skill, as well as exemplary behaviour.’

The following weekend saw the U14s attend their Sevens’ Festival at Plymstock, playing some great rugby.  Despite their best efforts they were narrowly beaten in the shield final 35-33 losing to Plymstock.