Two sides make game of it in atrocious conditions
Okehampton U13s 10
Ivybridge 15
THE match was played at North Tawton and the boys had all elements thrown at them be it wind, rain, sleet or snow.
The game was a hard slog for the forwards from both teams in the sticky ground and a bit too slow for the backs. The ball had no bounce, more of a thud as it landed together with a lot of ’squelching and slapping sounds’ as the players ran and tackled. Cold fingers caused handling problems for both teams.
Okehampton started the dominant team and soon pushed Ivybridge back towards the try line and continuous recycling set an early try for Lachs. Ed kept constant pressure on the visitors throughout the game together with some gutsy play from Tom, who definitely made his mark. Reuben and Shortie put in some joint tackles which worked well for Oke. Will B pushed himself in and there were some long runs from Alex. Dan, as always, used his might to barge with the tryline in his sights with the opposition often hanging off him.
Ivybridge kept trying to chip at the home defence but did not having much luck. Adam ripped the ball and ran but was soon bought down. Josh, always a constant with his tackling bought down several players and he was probably grateful for the soft landing. Multiple scrums and rucks made it an exhausting game given the conditions.
The second half started with Dan making the long run towards the try line, he passed but Ivybridge held up Okehampton before they could cross the line. Oke tried again for Callum to calmly go over for the try.
Chris came on for Oke and kept the pressure on in the rucks. Ivybridge, though, saw an opportunity on the wing to sprint and score their first try.
The visitors tried this a second time, but Alex spotted them and he took them out into touch. However, it worked a third time for Ivybridge who over for their third try.
Oke’s shoulders dropped and they seemed to give up at this point.
Ollie for Oke put in some good runs with the ball and Toby made a nuisance of himself at times.
Ivybridge upped the pressure towards the end of the game and made Oke work hard but would not give them any ground. Shea for Oke made a couple of good kicks to get them out of trouble whilst Craddy was hot on their heels playing at scrum half and Arion backed everyone up and supported at all times.
Tavistock U10s 4 tries
Okehampton U10s 1 try
IN the first of four exciting games Tavistock started quickly and scythed through the visitor’s defence. After scoring three tries Tavistock seemed unstoppable.
Okehampton fought back with Lily thundering through the opposition to score a popular try. Despite Freddy’s dogged and gritty runs Tavistock won the opening salvo..
Tavistock U10s 1 try
Okehampton U10s 2 tries.
In game two Okehampton had thawed out and threw themselves into a bruising battle.
Hard tackling and fierce rucking by both sides saw desperate try line defending. Oke’s response to a well worked Tavistock try was to unleash Toby; he showed electrifying pace, running diagonally to score in the corner. Repeated bursts by Dillon, Kieran and Lewis pecked away at Tavistock until Euan summoned his brute strength to run in the winning try and helped earn himself player of the day for Oke.
Tavistock U10s 4 tries
Okehampton U10s 0
THE penultimate game again saw Tavistock overhaul Okehampton in open play and were quick witted to snaffle loose balls. The viisitors tried to find their composure but were made to defend a Tavistock side who passed purposefully to supporting players to run in four tries.
Tavistock U10s 1 try
Okehampton U10s 3 tries
The final game saw Okehampton rucking solidly with Dillon S, Zack and Hermione passing well to allow Wilf to sprint the length of the pitch to score.
Following more bruising work by Dillon and Toby, Lewis burst through the Tavistock line to score. Euan finished the day with a determined, leg pumping, effort to see Okehampton win the final encounter.