Devon Knockout Cup semi-final

Ivybridge U16s 34

Okehampton U16s 17

OKEHAMPTON started the stronger side, playing up the slope and against a strong gusting wind.

Cox, Bird and Lawrence cleared out the rucks as the side moved upfield with successive phases. After 12 minutes Okehampton took three points from a penalty.

Ivybridge then stole a lineout and drove the maul into the 22 to score from the fringe to lead 7-3.

The home side used the wind well and were back with two more tries. Okehampton replied from the restart driving into the 22. A penalty kicked to the corner led to Hudson and Turner driving well but they could not cross the line. The ball was passed to Herrod-Taylor who stepped inside his man for a converted try to end the half 17-10.

Playing down the slope in the second half Okehampton failed to use the elements and pressure in defence saw a fumbled ball picked up by Ivybridge for a try on 45 minutes.

Woods and Clarke tackled fiercely in the centre with Beardon and Brookes keeping the wings well controlled and Down at full back having an excellent game.

Ivybridge soaked up more pressure before intercepting in midfield to race for another converted try under the posts.

Okehampton did not give up, with Searle driving the pack and West giving good lineout possesion, despite the wind.

Mortimore held his side of the scrum well and although dominating in the tight the Okehampton forwards were frustrated in the loose with the ball being slowed up by Ivybridge.

Sizmur had another good game at scrum half.

The home side scored again to lead 34-10 before a neatly chipped ball gave Ian Brookes a half-chance which he took expertly. Herrod-Taylor slotted the conversion from the touchline.