Contact & undefeated in the 2009 tournament

Matt joined the team later in the 2008-2009 season (post his Autumn lay off due to glandular fever) which culminated in a terrific showing at the end of season tournament hosted by Exeter Saracens in early April. Okehampton were undefeated throughout the day but were ousted from the semi finals based on the number of tries scored. Well done Okehampton! Here are a selection of photos (with a Haygarth bias!) I took here.....

A festival end to the season

Okehampton Under 8s tag rugby team capped a strong season with a great turnout to field two teams at the Ivybridge Rugby Tournament recently. Each team played five matches each against Kingsbridge, Devonport, Sidmouth, Topsham and Saltash. The players were Angus Cunningham, Eevee Banbury, Gregory Daniel, Edward McCarthy, Corey Holiday, Ethan Hoggins, Adam Wonnacott, Oliver MaCarthy, Matthew Haygarth, Joseph Stratton, Leon Horn, Jack Ogbourne, Nathan Tomlinson (from the Unders 7s) and Max Ford. Out of a total of ten matches played on the day Okehampton won 5, drew one and lost four. The day had a happy' festival' feel to it and there was a strong team spirit for all players parents and coaches , who enjoyed a picnic in the spring sunshine cheering on the young stars. At the end of the tournament chief coach Greame Horn made a speech to the team and thanked all involved for a great season and bidded Matthew Haygarth farewell as he is destined to move away for next season. The parents and players would like to thank the coaches Greame Horn, Tina Adams, Jamie Hoggins and Thomas Ogborne for their dedication through the season and the team looks forwartd to starting contact this autumn. With a team spriit like this one, Okehampton Rugby has a fine future ahead. More images I took from the day can be viewed by clicking here. Phil Haygarth

Easter Sunday - against Wales!

On Easter Sunday Okehampton played a visiting touring team from Wales at home, it was wet, windy and very muddy, but everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. They played an 11 aside game captained by Joseph Stratton, Okehampton was defended well by Ethan Hoggins, Eevee Bambury and Ed McCarthy with excellent passing and tagging through out the game. Ollie Arden, Simon Moody, Jack Ogbourne all made excellent runs with Leon Horn and Joseph Stratton who both scored 3 tries each. We would like to thank Nathan, Ben and Henry from Okehampton U7's who made up our team of 11 a side they all had a brilliant game. Tina Adams

Okehampton Under 8s dominate Exeter Chiefs

On Sunday 8th April, in a chilly day peppered with snow showers, Okehamapton under 8s ran rings around their hosts Exeter Chiefs. The first game was won 9-1 with Okehampton try scorers Jack Ogbourne, Joseph Stratton, Corey Holiday and an amazing six from Leon Horn. In the second match Okehampton dominated again scoring 9 tries to Exeter's nil, this time with two from Leon, 4 from Joesph, one from Corey and two from Matthew Haygarth. Angus Cunningham narrowly missed out a long run to making it ten. Teamwork was the key to success of Okehampton, with selfless passing and rewards of hours of Friday night training paying off. Congratulations to Graeme Horn and Tina Adams for some excellent coaching. Phil

Mixed fortunes at Ivybridge

On Sunday 24th February Okehampton Under 8s traveled to Ivybridge and played three games - two against the hosts and one against their fellow visitors, Topsham. Both games against Ivybridge were won by Okehampton. the first match was won 6-1 with 3 tries from Gregory Daniel and one each from Leon Horn, Joseph Stratton and Corey Holiday. In the second game Okehampton won 3-0 with tries scored from Leon Horn, Corey Holiday and Matthew Haygarth. The game against Tophsm was hard fought but in the end Okehampton lost 5-8 to Topsham, with Okehampton's Leon Horn and Joseph Stratton scoring two each, and Gregory Daniel scoring one try. The overall performance on the day was impressive team play with excellent passing and support. This team will go a long way in the future! Some photos by Anne Haygarth here. Phil Haygarth.

Tested yet still unbeaten

On Sunday 10th February Okehampton Under 8s played two matches away at Launceston. A bright and sunny spring morning was the backdrop for a scare for the team who faced a tight and initially well organized opposition. After a strong start from Launceston, Okehampton clawed back the first game to draw 3-3, with Okehampton scorers Leon Horn, Oliver Arden and Edward McCarthy. In the second game Okehampton recovered to win 4-2, with three tries from Leon Horn and one from Matthew Haygarth. The picture shows main scrorer Leon enjoying a post match chip with his coach/Dad/referee Greame! More pictures are here. The next match is next Sunday away at Sidmouth. Phil

Away victory for Okehampton against Exeter Sauracens

Last Sunday 27th January Okehampton under 8s traveled away to Exeter Saracens and played 4 quarters to win by 11 to 4. The try scorers were Leon Horn (6), Oliver Arden (1), Gregory Daniels (2) and Edward McCarthy(1). Okehampton showed fabulous team spirit and with well supported play. Photos from the day can be viewed here. Phil.