Okehampton U16s 22

Devonport Services 5

OKEHAMPTON U16s are now five wins out of six in the league after a fine performance on Sunday.

Okehampton hosted Devonport Services on the main pitch at Oke.

Playing from right to left and down the slope Oke tore into Devonport from the off. Devonport did not recover from the charge as the Oke forwards recycled the ball until Luke Dean piled over to score his first try for the club and to put the Okes five points up inside the first five minutes

From the restart Oke secured the ball inside the oppositions half and the forwards again rumbled through phase after phase in and around the breakdown.

Brad Curtis finally powered over to dot down Okehampton's second.

Luke Dean concluded yet another forwards drive to secure Okehampton's third try. Tallan Burns compounding the pain by adding the extra points. Now 17 points up it was all looking one way traffic.

Devonport finally broke out of their half just before half time. However a fumble turned the ball over to Tallan Burns, who punted a pinpoint cross field kick out to the wing. Brandon Horn sprinted, collected the ball, and offloaded to Reece Peacock who scored under the posts.

At half time Oke were 22 points clear and had secured their bonus point.

The second half saw a revitalised Devonport side. A little bit of indiscipline saw Oke concede penalties in a dangerous part of the pitch, which allowed Devonport to break through to dot down five points.

The remainder of the match was generally contested in open play as both sides tried to move the ball around, however good solid tackling by both teams snuffed the plays out just as they started to become threatening.

Man of the match was Reece Peacock.

Plymstock U16s 12

Tavistock U16s 34

THIS was a keenly contested carry on with both sides showing splashes of skill and speed mixed with frequent infringements from the visitors, that meant that the ref was looking for a service on his whistle by the end of game.

In between the stoppages for offside, knock ons and suggestions to the referee Tavistock played some lovely rugby out of hand and secured some superb scores.

However Plymstock noticed that the away team took their collective foot off the gas and came back with some strong and skillful driving ruck play.

This worked well as Tavistock rather than counter ruck were content to watch and admire apart from a few exceptions in Harry and James. Ollie had a fine game at centre and Alex got a couple against the head.

Tavistock will have to up their game if they are going to come out on top next week at home to Ivybridge.

Tavistock U15s 24

Kingsbridge 12

KINGSBRIDGE dominated the early exchanges in this game and were unlucky not to score in the first ten minutes.

Tavistock's defence held firm and the home team's pack gradually worked their way in to the game. This was primarily due to excellent work at the breakdown with Theo Cousins and James Lewis leading the way.

Tavistock broke the deadlock with centre Will Gardiner picking a great line to cut through the Kingsbridge defence and score. Chris Watts, who had an educated game at fly half with the ball in hand and kicking for terrority, added the conversion.

Ethan Lamerton won several turnovers and Billy McNicol gave a solid performance under the high ball and tracking his opposite number on the wing. Billy Rowe was powerful in defence and attack and he added a second try in the early stages of the second half. Kingsbridge fought their way back into the game and clean break from one of their backs scored them a seven pointer.

Tavistock's pack stepped the pressure up again and James Lewis drove over from close range, George Hillson added extra 2 points. Bernie Sadler again showed how he is making the 15 shirt his own with another assured performance at full back.

Kingsbridge never backed down, however, and they forced their way back into the game with a second try after some excellent rucking. George Hillson kept the home team moving forward with some clever box kicking before second row Scott Morris clinched the game after he charged over to score in the corner.

Okehampton U15s 49

Exeter Chiefs 0

ENSURING the game was won by half time the Okehampton team had a quiet start to the second half allowing Chiefs to gain some confidence but good defence by Okehampton did not allow them to score.

Try scorers were Joe Mawle (2), Liam Pyle (2), Niall Leahy, Johnny King, William James.

Every conversion was taken with James Bowden with his kicking boots on. On the whole a good performance but will need to be more polished for going against bigger teams.

Stonehouse Sharks U13s 15

Okehampton 43

A GOOD team effort on Sunday with plenty of fine passing through the backs to enable an enviable final score.

Confident mauling throughout the match and some fantastic off loads gave plenty of opportunity for running through the Stonehouse defence. Undeterred the Sharks persevered with growing confidence as the game went on, sneaking through on three occasions, but the first try was Okehampton's as Daichi (1) jinked through to score under the posts. Another followed closely from Tom S (3). Not to be left out George D (2) swept up the ball from George H for his first try of the game, but his second try was his best as he ran the length of the pitch leaving everyone in his wake. The final try was scored by Mo as he scooped up a loose ball and lunged over the line.

Overall a fair result from a team that is continuing to improve each week but need consistency in their performance for the full 50 minutes.

OPM RFC U12s 7

Tavistock RFC U12s 21

TAVISTOCK travelled to OPM and came away with a good win from a great game of junior rugby.

Having worked on their defence and mauling, Tavistock tackled hard and put pressure on OPM at every opportunity.

Harry Edwards at fly half and Edward Tait at full back kept the attacks flowing with good distribution and cover from the OPM clearing kicks.

Eventually Tavistock scored out wide via Tom Scott, quickly followed by a sniping try from a scrum by Sam Essex at scrum half on his debut .

The second half saw OPM rally and push the Tavistock defence hard, and eventually pushed over for a try. Tavistock held firm with James Kenyon and Noah Berridge effecting choke tackles for turnovers, Cameron Hart was unlucky to be tackled just short of the line after a run but Sam Essex was on hand again benefit from the quick ball and score Tavistock's third try. Solid tackling from, Ben Mckenzie, and Matt Davey and great lineout work from Jack Baker and James Roisetter and some solid number 8 work from Harry Richardson complimented the team effort. Kiran Warner making the move to the backs created some good yards, and Harry Edwards, Edward Tait and Tom Persse controlling the game well.

Okehampton U12s 35

Exeter 0

BEFORE kick off the tension was felt by both sides, following last year's closely fought encounter.

The game started with both teams playing for the upper hand in and around rucks and scrums.  Exeter applied a lot of pressure on the Oke line during the first 15 minutes, but the Oke's defence remained solid and continued that way throughout the game.

Oke replied with some powerful rucking, leading to a driving try from Barnaby Waddell, who had a strong game. Joshua Burgoyne scored next, after breaking the Exeter line from a five metre scrum.

At the break changes were made by both sides, but Oke carried on in the same vein, as they picked up another try through James Close. Oke's backs began to show some good handling, keeping them on the front foot, leading to two well taken tries from Daniel Tomkins, after crisp passing. Oke maintained a high level of tackling, with George Cox producing the tackle of the game on the Exeter Fullback.

Oke's defence has been outstanding so far, only allowing in twenty one points, in eight games, so far this season.

Tries in the game by Barnaby Waddell (1), Joshua Burgoyne (1), James Close (1), Daniel Tomkins (2). Conversions by Joshua Burgoyne (2), Jack Rutley (1), Daniel Wonnacott (1), James Close (1).

Okehampton U9s 40

Exeter Chiefs 55

AS the team had not played for a while the players were more than ready for a match, captained by Josh.

From the start the Chiefs were attacking, and caught the Oke boys of guard, who were still half asleep. They were quickly woken up by an early try from the Chiefs and then the return attack started.

Both teams appeared to be of equal standing for the first quarter of the match with the score being 10–10 with tries for Oke from Lachs and Saul. This quarter saw teamwork to be proud of and every player giving 100%.

The second quarter saw one try from Alex to 8 tries from the Chiefs. Chiefs soon started putting multiple players onto the ball carrier to push into touch on several occasions, Archie S made a break but was pushed into touch.

The third quarter saw 4 tries from Saul, one of which saw him charge through most of the opposition to score, to Chiefs one, again the stronger Oke boys were on fire and working hard.

The final quarter saw one try scored by Saul, who came on briefly due to an injury, to Chiefs 3. Josh, Toby and Alex all worked relentlessly, tackling well.

Man of the match was awarded to Saul and Lachs.

Tavistock U9s 65

OPMs 30

TAVISTOCK U9s made a welcome return to winning form on their visit to OPMs.

The first match started brilliantly for the visitors with Dylan breaking tackling and James displaying some fine attacking skills side stepping the defence and scoring a super fast hat-trick of tries to establish an early lead.

With this buffer the boys in black and red began to enjoy themselves, showcasing their free-flowing style of rugby; a lovely run of passes freeing Max to score the fourth try.

OPMs fought back but a turnover ball saw James run in the fifth try, quickly followed by Luke T. A long run up the line by Matthew D resulted in the team's seventh try before half time.

The Tavistock defence was doing its job well and managed to restrict the home team to only 3 tries in the first half.

Tavistock fielded a complete change in the second half. Christopher did well to stay in play as he was tackled near the touch line and some fast hands saw the ball passed down the line to release Seb to score.

An interception by Matthew B saw him run in the team's ninth. OPM were not giving up and continued to attack but with some excellent tackling from Ashley, Henry and Matthew B they were made to work hard for their tries. As the game went on Ben scored three excellent tries and with the last play of the game Seb took advantage of a turnover to run in the team's thirteenth and final try of the match. Tavistock were deserving winners 65-30

THE second match of the morning was a much closer affair. Matthew B opened the scoring and Luke T added a second after some great hard running. Matthew D added another and Christopher added a fourth as Tavistock kept a one try lead at the change of ends.

After the interval it was really nip and tuck. Tavistock deployed some great defence making it very tough for OPM's to score, Ashley, Henry and Matthew B all getting stuck in with some great tackling, but they could not prevent OPM's scoring 4 tries. Too many of Tavistock's attacking moves ended with the ball being lost in the tackle but Matthew B managed to score twice and Callum added the team's last to level the scores at 35 all.

Okehampton 8s 12

Exeter Chiefs 11

IN the first of two fast and furious games Oke just pipped the Chiefs with some good support play from the boys.

The first try was scored by Thomas Jake after good inter play with Tyler and Freddie, then a quick fire brace from Grady who ended up with 5, Freddie did some storming runs down the left flank ending up with 4 tries.

Daniel scored 2 with some good support play. Cain,Max B and Billy played a big part in the game without scoring.

Okehampton 8s 12

Exeter Chiefs 14

THIS game carried on from the first with good tagging and support play from the boys which we are working on in training.

Max J had a few good runs up the middle. Harry had some good runs which ended in him scoring 3 tries, Oliver also played well all game and picked up 4 tries.

Matthew was the pick of the bunch in support play which saw him score 3 tries. The best try was scored by Callum K who made a great break and was clear only for him to stop running after he thought he was tagged only for some shouting from the touch line he started again and scored. He went on to score one more.

OPMs U7s 20

Tavistock U7s 24

TAVISTOCK U7s remain undefeated on their travels. Seventeen children turned out to play five exciting matches against a much smaller OPMs squad.

OPMs U7s 4

Tavistock U7s 3

TAVISTOCK took a little while to get to grips with this first OPMs side.

Some great team work particularly from William A and Nathan saw both make the score sheet. Nathan made a great run straight through the opposition to touch down. OPMs though proved hard to tag and ran in four tries. Tavistock came back well and William A made a fine run the length of the pitch to score his second.

OPMs U7s 3

Tavistock U7s 4

A SWITCH around with the scores this time and some excellent defending, particularly from 'Most Improved Player' William T-Y. He took some great tags and held off OPMs well, preventing them from breaking clear to score.

Jack scored a hat-trick of tries, making a great zig-zagging run right across the pitch for his second. William T-Y then set up Lewis with a great pass to allow him to go in and score to win the game.

OPMs U7s 5

Tavistock U7s 5

AN even matched game with both sides taking it in turns to score. Some great defensive play again from Tavistock with Matthew and Dominic working well together with George to take some good tags. Matthew took two tries, Dominic and Gabriel one each and new player Joe ran half way across the pitch to touch down his very first try.

OPMs U7s 2

Tavistock U7s 6

A COMPREHENSIVE win for Tavistock in this match, created by some excellent tagging from best player Charlie. She was all over the OPMs players, not allowing them any space to break through. Some great running from Edward, who showed excellent speed throughout the game, saw him score a hat-trick. Alastair used some great rugby skills, running through with two and Charlie finished her outstanding match with a try of her own.  

OPMs U7s 6

Tavistock U7s 6

ALL 17 children had a run out in this final game, being substituted as tries were scored, they were all keen to go on again. There was some brilliant running from Finlay and some excellent tagging from Matthew. Making the scoresheet were William A, Finlay, Jack, Edward, Alastair and Tom.

Oke U7s 5

Exeter Chiefs U7s 13

THIS match saw Oke struggle with the Chiefs' speed on the attack; some good running and support led to 5 really good team tries. Phoebe scoring 3, Rocco (1) and Seb (1).  Good performances from Zara, Archie and Robbie on their first match.

Oke U7s 10

Exeter Chiefs U7s 12

THIS was a hard match for Oke, from the start Chiefs were organised and pounced on every opportunity. Oke reorganised, after a shaky start, with tries from Roman (6), Ciaran (1), Ellie (1), Rocco (1) and Conlaed (1).

Somerset 24

Devon 14

THREE Mount House pupils were in the Devon Prep Schools line-up for the annual match against Somerset, held at King's College School, Taunton.

The Mount House boys in this year's clash were two forwards: Jaime Mansilla-Pablos in the front row, Ludo de Falbe at number 8, and Joe Beck in the backs.

Jaime was tireless as part of a great front row partnership that held off a much bigger and heavier Somerset pack for long periods of the game. Ludo de Falbe came on at No 8, and made some trademark hits, forcing Somerset players to turnover a loose ball.

Joe Beck, marking the quickest player on the pitch, had few attacking opportunities, but defended stoutly and effectively. One smart interception from a Somerset attack saw Joe, as he has done on many occasions for Mount House this season, race the whole length of the pitch to score under the posts.

This put Devon into a 14-0 lead, which was pegged back to 14-14 by half time. As the second half progressed, the greater weight of the Somerset pack began to take its toll, as they drove the length of the field to take the lead. Sapped of their energy by their earlier efforts, the Devon team was unable to respond, and Somerset held on for a 24-14 victory.

n MOUNT House Rugby first XII has benefitted from time spent on the training field and in match-play, by turning its season around.

Having started off poorly with some lacklustre performances, the team has now gone five matches unbeaten with a home victory over Plymouth College.

Having lost to Plymouth College early in the season, they were determined to turn the tables and they certainly did not disappoint.

Joe Beck, scorched away for an early score and poached another late in the game. Forwards Charles Barker and Alvaro Mansilla-Pablos drove strongly through their opposition to score further tries and establish a deserved lead. As the team's confidence grew so did their style and Hunter Strand fielding the ball from a Plymouth kick ran 50m to score.

The try of the season followed when Bertie Hughes received the ball after another turn over in our own half. He proceeded to dummy, swerve, hand off and duck all 15 of the Plymouth team, to score under the posts, then converted his own try to complete the 34-7 victory.