Friendly

Barnstaple U16s 15

Okehampton U16s 31

FOR the first ten minutes both sides shared possession and territory, eventually leading to a penalty for Oke. The visitors went for the three, but the kick went wide. From the next play, the visitors lost possession but just as Barnstaple went to clear their lines Tom Stevens intercepted to dive over from five metres to score. Oke surrended the lead soon after, as a well-worked driving maul from Barnstaple brought them level.

More strong pressure from the home side was repelled but just as Oke got themselves into a good attacking position a wayward pass allowed Barnstaple to kick and chase down the field to score an opportunist try and go 10-5 up. Oke redeemed themselves with some good phases that allowed George Dickinson to find space on the right wing and battle his way to the line. Ewan Northcott kicked a fine conversion and Okehampton were back in front, 10-12. The second half began with Okehampton camped down in Barnstaple territory, where eventually their hard work paid off, giving Brad Simmons the chance to break through for a great individual try.

Oke set up another offensive from 15 metres inside their own half, the forwards winning the lineout superbly to get the ball to Noah Cracknell who eluded Barnstaple chasers to dot down between the posts.

The home side fought back and despite some valiant defence they eventually battered down the door for a deserved score and get back in the game. However, another good phase from Oke’s pack gave Tom Stevens the chance to use his power to shake off tackles and score his second try. Ewan’s conversion sealed the win. This was a solid performance from the U16s who are improving with each game. There was hard work from the pack, especially Ethan Baker and Joe Stevens, and also forward Dan Turney who had a great game at full back.

Okehampton U15s 25

Barnstaple U15s 36

OKEHAMPTON welcomed Barnstaple knowing they faced a tough game from strong opposition. Five minutes in good line speed and pressure from Oke saw quick ball go crossfield to Barnaby Waddell who put in a lovely step to open the scoring.  Barnstaple replied with a try following a few missed tackles and gaps left in defence; this score was built on when they kicked a penalty shortly after, with Oke on being caught offside. 

Okehampton powered back straight from the kick off, with Saul Holliday chasing down the ball, keeping it alive well, before passing to Archie Brown; he jinked his way through the Barum defence to score his first, well deserved, try for the team.  Again Barnstaple came straight back with a try of their own under the posts, followed by another shortly after, despite some sterling defence from the home side. Oke finished the first half on the up, quick ball from a penalty saw it go crossfield to Cole Pengelly to cross the line. 

Okehampton started the second half determinedly and were rewarded ten minutes in when Saul Holliday crossed the line.  Again Barnstaple came back, capitalising on some loose tackling from Oke to score two more tries. 

Oke finished the game on a positive note with a second try from Cole Pengelly. Despite the loss, the young Okes put in a much better all round performance this week, with some solid tackling coming in from Seb Haste, Barnaby Waddell and James Stevens. There was also a big improvement in the lineout.

Barnstaple U13s

Okehampton U13s

THIS was Okehampton U13s first match of the season and the team got off to a sizzling start, defending hard against Barnstaple from the kick-off and keeping a good line. Just inside three minutes of play, Tom made a dazzling sprint to the try line to put Okehampton one up. Unfortunately, Oke could not hang on to the ball for much of the rest of the game, as their significantly stronger opponents kept them on the defensive throughout each quarter, racking-up the tries as they went and their team spirit steadily ebbed away.

The final score may have been soul-destroying (suffice to say that first Oke try was their only one) but the dogged determination of the Oke lads kept the pressure up and they did fight hard but were forced to concede to the better side. ’The only way is up!’ Cameron Keegan, was Oke’s player of the match.

Devonport Services

U12s 40

Tavistock U12s 20

TAVISTOCK’s first game of the new season saw them travel to Plymouth to take on a well organised Devonport Services side. The home side settled into their stride more quickly,  scoring an early try, but Tavistock struck back after a barrelling run from Mac set up Ryan to go over in the corner.

It was a closely fought game for much of the first half, but Devonport’s physical size advantage told at crucial moments as they crashed over from close range to take the lead once more.  They added three more tries before the break, but James ran in a fine try to keep the visitors in touch.

Both teams started the second half full of determination and tries quickly followed. James again scored for Tavistock, but despite valiant defensive work from the whole team, they could not prevent Services from scoring three tries.

It was Tavistock that provided the most memorable moment of the match as Callum’s  improvised off load prevented the ball from going into touch, and Luke gathered Matt D’s inspired cross-field kick before outpacing the defenders to round of the match with a wonderful try.

This was the first game of a new season, under new rules, and against formidable opponents was always going to be a tricky task, but the whole Tavistock team should be proud of their performance and take confidence from it for the season ahead.

Teignmouth U12s 0

Okehampton U12s 45

OKEHAMPTON’s captain was Shea, with vice captain Craddock playing at scrum half. Teignmouth took the kick off with a ball straight to Lachs; Oke recycled the ball effortlessly to move across the pitch. Scrums were taken by Callum, Will (making his debut as hooker), Lachs, Ben and Ed. Callum put the work in for a pass to Will for the opening try of the game, this was swiftly followed by a second ’try’, which was disallowed as knocked forward. Teignmouth kicked straight into Adam’s hands; he weaved back through the opposition to score. Play started again with Teignmouth charging for the tryline only to be taken into touch by Adam just short of scoring.

The pace of the second third calmed down for a while with Teignmouth putting more pressure onto Okehampton and keeping them back, Josh put in some hard tackles, constantly nipping at the heels of whoever had the ball and Shea scored the only try of this period. A maul saw the ball stolen by Dan and quickly passed out to Ed.

The final third started with a kick straight to Alex; the home team got the ball, but Alex quickly chased and tackled. Oke were dominant in the mauls, taking command of the game allowing Callum to break and take a try. Another try quickly followed from a pass from Callum to Craddock. Shea kicked from the halfway line, chased by Adam who claimed a try.

Oke’s pressure caused the home team to wain and Oke scored two quick tries by Craddock and Will. The final kick was to Will, who passed to Ed and then to Adam for the final try of the game. This was commendable teamwork from all the Oke boys mentioned as well as Toby, Chris, Shortie and Archie.

Okehampton U10s 40

Barnstaple U10s 60

OKEHAMPTON U10s first game of the season away to Barnstaple was a hot Sunday morning with a great turnout. The squad were divided into two teams, playing two games concurrently. Both Barnstaple and Oke started strong in the first game with tries being traded equally.

Oke were strong in rucks and were supporting runners well creating tries for Xavier, Robbie, Joe, Lucy, Phoebe and Amy. A few missed tackles in the second half allowed Barnstaple to score the winning tries for the first game.

Okehampton U10a 35

Barnstaple U10s 70

THE team started on the defence against a strong Barnstaple team. Barnstaple’s rucking, ball ripping and good team work made it a tough first half for Oke.

However, in the second half saw Oke warm up and put in some great tackling. Some pride was restored later on with tries from Hector, Luka and James.

Okehampton U10s 40

Barnstaple U10s 40

PAUL’s team talk before match two had a dramatic effect and a motivated team took the game to Barnstaple with some crunching tackles and fine running.

Oke played with purpose and belief. Slick running and much improved teamwork saw Oke earn a well deserved draw. Tries scored by Will, Ollie, Hector, Luka and James.