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U14's - Match Report (13/09/09)
Okehampton - Away (Lost 24-0)

It was Exeter Saracens U14's first run out of the season and as always a closely fought, tight and entertaining game of rugby against Okehampton was anticipated.

With conditions almost perfect, if not just a little too warm, the battle of tooth and nail for possession and territory was set about. The game was very evenly matched but with both sides showing their first game nerves by uncharacteristic simple handling errors which made the play very stop start. At the breakdowns it was also stalemate as both sides controlled their possession well. Play went up and down the park but neither team could gain an advantage as the physical forwards tore into each other. Support running was good from Sarries in parts but was not seen to be up to the standard to which they finished at last season. Joe Embery and Hallum Curran linked well off loading out of contact but the depth of support would need to be worked on.
In the backs, enterprising running from Sarries, when they could get the ball to go to hand, saw players released down the wings only for excellent covering tackles from Okehampton to thwart the moves.
The only score of the half was from an Okehampton boot after a penalty was awarded at distance but in front of the posts and was well taken.
Sarries battled on and then came close on two occasions to breaching the Okehampton line with a pounding run from Theo Thomson who was dragged down just short and then from an Okehampton 5M defensive scrum, just outside their own line the kick was charged down by Dominic Ditchburn to go loose in the goal area. Unfortunately no Sarries player was quick enough to go through and pounce on it before it was grounded by Okehampton.
(Half Time 3-0)

The second half was more of the same with players giving their all in the tackle and commitment for the cause. Superb tackling from Jack Price and a combination of tackling and sturdy ball carrying from Jake Hurford saw Sarries gain the territorial advantage. The Okehampton defence was resolute and there seem no way through. Good runs from Man of the Match Joe Parker up the wings showed that his confidence was growing. At the same time he showed that he was committed to defence when the game was turned on him and several good tackles were completed.
The Okehampton game plan of chipping over the top or to the corners played havoc with the Saracens defence but good awareness from Tom Pugsley, Will Haigh and Joe Street ensured that things were cleared up well although the forward support was sometimes slow at getting across to the breakdowns. Breaks full of pace and power from Kai Little and Owen Mugford in the centre relieved pressure but the Okehampton defence controlled the threat well.
Good breaks from Curran and the little terrier Steven Gill bought Sarries close to gaining a score but three tries, all excellently converted, by Okehampton spaced throughout the half sealed off the game.
Exeter Saracens did not let their heads drop and saw the game out on the attack but on the day it must be said that the better performing team won albeit by a margin that was not truly reflective of the closeness of the play.
(Full Time - 24-0)