In wet conditions Okehampton U15's produced some fantastic running rugby to beat a strong Topsham. Massive defensive displays in the first half from Dean Folland, Luke Dennis, Dean Abrahms and Jordan Cornthwaite really shook any confidence Topsham might have had. This led to Luke Dennis leaping onto loose ball to bring Okes their first try of the game, ably converted by Liam Wilkins despite the raging wind. This was shortly followed by a try each from Dean Folland and Jordan Cornthwaite, both unconverted, and a try from Josh Bush with conversion from Liam Wilkins.
Topsham rallied after half time only to be met with the same stonewall defence and, with good co-operation between Luke Vincent and the forwards creating pressure in oppositon rucks, the next three tries from Luke Dennis, Paul Penberthy and Liam Wilkins came from scraps of possession, Okehampton able to pass out of contact right to the try line. All of these tries were easily converted by Liam. Up against a very large pack the front row of Lee, Balch and Dymond excelled. It was also good to see Matt Moyes come off the bench after weeks of injury. Consolation came for Topsham as they scored an unconverted try in the final minute. In a game played at a great pace, and against opposition of this standard, the Okey boys played with a maturity beyond their years and should be very proud of the way in which they won.

With the planned opponents cancelling, Okehampton were grateful to Bideford for stepping in to play them. Playing with the wind at their backs Okehampton started off well with some good flowing moves. Luke Dennis started off the scoring with a try after a run by Marcus Garrett closely followed by Deane Andrew scoring a try which was converted by Liam Wilkins. Dean Folland scored two further tries as did Alex Arthurs in the first half - one of which was after a good run across the field by Luke Dennis. Liam Wilkins converted a further two of these. Okehampton went into the break with a comfortable lead of 36 - 0.

The second half started off with Bideford putting Okehampton under pressure for a sustained period and coming close to scoring a number of times. Gradually Okehampton started to pick up their play with Dean Folland scoring a try which was converted. Will Copp then, with a run from the half way line, evaded a number of tackles to score. Deane Andrew scored his second try and Dean Folland scored his 4th to round off the match.

The game was played in good spirit. Okehampton played well together as a team with some good hard tackling and penetrating runs. There was also some good rucking by Dean Abrams.


The attached picture is of the Under 15 team along with one of their shirt sponsors - Greg Vick of Vicks Market in Hatherleigh. West Devon Meat, again from Hatherleigh, also jointly sponsored the shirts.

The under 15’s travelled for a weekend in Cornwall for a pre season get together and a game against Redruth.

Prior to kick off a minutes silence was observed in the memory of Okehampton rugby stalwart Mr Roger Vick.

With three new faces in the team, Okes started brightly and should have scored early on in “Hellfire Corner”, But against the run of play Redruth scored an unconverted try.

Okes again continued to press completely dominating the set pieces, again Redruth scored, after some sloppy midfield defence, undeterred Okes forward dominance soon began to pay dividends pulling back a try by debutant No 6 Connor Kendrew and converted by Liam Wilkins.

After the break an interception by the Redruth outside centre stretched their lead, undeterred Okes robust rugby began to soften Redruth up and Connor Kendrew went in again which was again converted by Wilkins. With new Captain Dean Andrew encouraging his troops, the backs started to get in on the act providing good attacking moves, putting the reds under severe pressure and on the end of one such run, new No 8 Marcus Garrett crashed through the defence for an unconverted try. Back to all square, Okes allowed Redruth one final attack and they scored a good try wide out. With two minutes left on the clock Oke pressurized the opponents and were awarded a scrum close to the line, a good, quick ball allowed the impressive Garrett to crash over for his second, and a well deserved draw. Good team effort, with many positives being taken from the game.

Okes rolled up to Exeter Saracens in confident mood following their Cornish trip. They burst into action with an early set move, Dean Folland ran over the opposing fly half and popped to Josh Bush who fed to Jordan Cornthwaite to score.

This vein of aggressive rugby was maintained with a free flowing backs move to allow the excellent new boy Will Copp to score and Liam Wilkins to convert.

Sarries hit back after some poor discipline by Okes, and soon added another. Turning around with Okes 12-10 up some strong talk by the coaches spurred Okes along with Dean Folland smashing up the middle for two quick tries both converted by Wilkins. With confidence high, skill levels rising, ex sarries No. 8 Marcus Garrett then crossed with a smile on his face, Wilkins Converted.

With the forwards now rucking well and supplying quick ball Luke Dennis, Josh Bush and the returning Alex Arthurs all crossed the line with Wilkins successfully converting all.

Superb team performance. Jacob Barber debuting with a forceful display, with Copp, Dennis and Folland causing mayhem outside. Okes have a quality side well worth watching next game home to Devonport Services Sunday 11am at the club.

On a bright, crisp Sunday morning down in Launceston, the under 15s (although with a number of players out injured)  were raring to go after having the previous weeks' match cancelled. Within a couple of minutes from the kick off, Dean Andrews collected a pass and evaded a few tackles to cross the try line to put the first points on the board. This was converted by Liam Wilkins. With some good team work Okehampton continued to notch up the points with tries from Alex Arthurs, Liam Wilkins and two from Marcus Garratt with a further two conversions by Liam.
The start of the second half saw Launceston score a converted try with a good run from within their own half. Okehampton then picked up their play and with some good runs and strong tackling by Dean Andrews, Dean Folland, Alex Arthurs and Marcus Garratt in particular, Okehampton went on the score 6 more tries, with 3 converted, 2 for Alex, 2 for Dean Andrews, 1 for Dean Folland and 1 more for Marcus Garratt. The last play of the game belonged to Archie Embling who scored his first ever try for Okehampton - with only his second touch of the ball.