Exeter Saracens Rugby Club, Exeter, Devon

Match Reports

25th November 2007

 

Exeter Saracens U7’s -v- Okehampton U7’s

 

Match1 – Exeter Saracens (45 -v- 25) Okehampton

The nerves were showing for the U7's first away match as the first match started off at a very quick pace and the Sarries conceded a try to Okehampton  within the first couple of minutes but then the Sarries team found their rhythm together and performed fantastically well and gave the home team a run for their money.  Aiden Vaughan-Ryall scored 5 tries, James Gough scored a try as did Rhys Mullin, Freddie Herring and Ollie Burroughs.  The rest of the team provided great support and with Lewis Warren, Ethan Maltby and Jake Poulton doing some fiercely fast tagging and running they played a massive part in the overall victory. 

 

Match2 – Exeter Saracens (40 -v- 25) Okehampton

There were a few changes made to the starting line-up to allow all the U7 team a run out.  The Sarries played another strong game with Lewis Warren scoring 3 tries, Ollie Burroughs scored 2 tries, Rhys scored another try as did Freddie and Ethan.  Other notable players were Chloe Taylor, Tyler Ware and Oliver Jeffery who put in very strong perfomances and ensured a second win against a very competent Okehampton side.

 

The Sarries U7 team have worked extremely hard for the last two consecutive weeks on their matches and the great results against Exmouth last week (match 1 Sarries 35 - Exmouth 15 and match 2 Sarries  45 - Exmouth 25) show that they are a formidable force to be reckoned with.

 

Exeter Saracens U8's -v- Okehampton U8's

 

Match1           Exeter Saracens (25 -v- 40)  Okehampton

Okehampton’s open and attacking play paid dividends. Sarries kept in the game but failed to catch up despite an outstanding four try performance by Alexei Holmes, with one from Luke Boots-Hutchings.

 

Match2           Exeter Saracens (25 -v- 25) Okehampton 

A well balanced game fought up the scoreboard point by point. Both sides showed the ability run through opposition determined to score. Tries for Sarries were by Alexei Holmes (2), Luke and brother Reece Boots-Hutchings, and Luke Hawkes. The scoring fairly reflected the game.

 

Okehampton U9's -v- Exeter Saracens U9's

 

Match1 - Okehampton (30 -v- 15) Exeter Saracens
Sarries under 9s had two hard matches away to the strong Okehampton club. The first match ended 30-15, Okehampton taking advantage of quick ball won by a good rucking game. For Sarries it was a game of nearly getting there again, with three players losing the ball over the try line, all failing to score. Sarries scorers were Billy Curran and Lewis Geran (2).

Match2 - Okehampton (15 -v- 20)  Exeter Saracens

In the second match, Sarries sneaked a victory in a closely fought encounter,  the telling late tries coming from Cameron Souter-Frost and Lewis Geran. Sarrries
first two tries were scored by Brad Down - the first a team effort finished by Down, the second a brilliant solo run.

 

Okehampton U10's -v- Exeter Saracens U10's

 

Match1 - Okehampton (25 -v- 5) Exeter Saracens  

The two sides played out 2 cracking games of rugby. Saracens started strongly, working hard up the hill to put early pressure on Okehampton. A couple of chances went begging for Sarries before the home side started to exert some pressure of their own. Gradually Okehampton gained the upper hand and at half time they had bagged two tries for a 10 – 0 half time lead. The second half was equally as well contested with both sides defending vigorously, Mace Haines putting in some big tackles for the away side. Both teams were   forced to work hard to gain ground, eventually Okehampton’s ability to move the ball helped them to run in 3 more tries. The Sarries had the final say though with a well deserved try for Jack Clark who was immense for the visitors.

 

Match2 - Okehampton (15 -v- 20) Exeter Saracens

The second game was another tight affair. Okehampton again opened the scoring but this time the Sarries refused to let them get away. Sarries pushed forward and Charlie Pike made a great break, outrunning the Okehampton defence for a try in the corner. Undaunted Okey scored again for 10 – 5 half time lead. A very determined Sarries team came out for the second period, desperate not to lose again. Morgan Rosser scored a quick try, Okehampton replied and then Jack Clark levelled for Sarries with another barnstorming run. In a tense finale both teams had their chances and it looked like a draw was on the cards when Jack Searle scored the winner for a delighted Saracens side.

 

Exeter Saracens U11's (10 -v- 30) Okehampton U11's

 

Exeter Saracens under 11's put up a fighting display against a very well drilled okehampton side who played as a team.The Saracens side played well in patches but were not up to scratch in the rucking and passing departments.That being said Saracens had good displays from Harry Skinner who scored once and by debutant Oliver May who also scored a try.Megan Coombes was the sarries player of the match who had some strong runs through the middle of the field.

 

Exeter Saracens U12's (14 -v- 14) Okehampton U12's

 

First Half

Kick off from Okehampton gathered superbly by Fionn Wright who ran it straight back well into opposition territory, setting the ball back only for Okehampton to concede a penalty. Penalty kicked into the corner and the resultant line out catch and drive enabled the ball to be released to Wright to score the first try of the match. Successful conversion from Matt Bound. Okehampton replied immediately from the restart with a try given for a ball touched down just on Sarries line. Although the call looked a close one the Sarries players accepted the decision and the score was 7-7. What a start to the game.

The next 10 minutes was stalemate in the centre of the pitch and it was apparent that this was going to be a very close, hard fought encounter as is always the case against Okehampton. Matt Bound took a knock in the face and was replaced for the last 10 minutes of the first half by Max Augstburger, showing his versatility with a competent spell at full back. Sarries took the lead just before half time after four phases of driving forward play when the ball was ripped from the arms of Okehampton and Sarries players by Alex Evens just short of the line and he was over for a great team try. Conversion by Jack Hamlyn.

(Half time 14-7)

 

Second Half

Matt bound returned for the start of the second half and was in the action constantly relieving pressure from close to Sarries line with long clearance kicks to touch as Okehampton pressed for an equalizing try. The try came eventually with a run from the Okehampton scrum half down the wing avoiding several tackles and going over in the corner. Try converted. Great surging runs from Seb Mould, Kai Little and Tom Pugsley were snuffed out by a very quick and organized Okehampton defence. The physicality of the match and the number of tackles being carried out by each team started to take its toll. This had been a tiring match for all. Both teams wanted to score the winning try but were also cautious about conceding and losing the match. An injury to the hard working Joe Embury meant Max Augstburger was on for his second spell as a replacement. The final whistle went with the score 14-14. A fair score line at the end of a gruelling, very even match.

(Full Time 14-14)

 

Throughout the match the Sarries scrum was very effective and strong rucking from Watts , Parker and Thomson meant that Sarries secured their fair share of possession. The ball did not get out to the wingers as often as it might have, but when it did Oliver Griss and Joe Street made good ground, allowing Sarries to clear their lines or set up further chances.

 

One player who was in the thick of the action, whether attacking or defending was Jack Hamlyn, who as captain led by example and executed several of his trademark tackles during the match. For his complete performance he is the SARRIES ‘Man of the Match’ for this week.

 

A truly great game of hard rugby, the type of game that everyone expected against a very strong Okehampton squad.

 

Devonport Services U12’s v Exeter Saracens U12’s

 

Team: Props – Jack Price, Tom Griffiths / Hooker – Jake Hurford / Second Row Locks – Hallum Curran, Steven Gill / No8 – James Tancock / Scrum Half – Dominic Ditchburn / Fly Half – Sam Garner / Centres – David Kittow, Joe Parker / Wings – Chris Bayliss, Jon Bardot / Full Back – Aled Rosser

Replacements – Josh Woodward

 

All present and correct. After the long trip everybody had arrived and were visibly ready for the undoubted physical match that was sure to follow. Conditions were excellent and invited good rugby. No one was to be disappointed. 100% effort by the Sarries team was still not going to be enough on the morning but so much more was too be taken from the field.

 

The game was split into three thirds of 15 minutes as Devonport had a large squad which they wanted to rotate. From the Services kick off their intent was evident with a huge forward effort pinning Sarries back in their own half for what seemed an age. The game was evenly matched as far as possession was concerned but territorially Devonport had the edge with the play all in Sarries half. Sarries where not up to scratch initially at the ruck. Any movement that Sarries developed, as soon as the ball was taken into a ruck then Devonport were able ruck Sarries off of the ball.

The scrumaging seemed secure with the front row of Tom Griffiths and Hooker Jake Hurford. From one scrum platform just inside their own half, Dominic Ditchburn picked up and sold a superb dummy to the Devonport centres and broke through the gap created. With a further two players beaten and then the full back only getting nails onto his shirt, Ditchburn was over to break the deadlock. Conversion by Sam Garner meant that Sarries took full advantage.

Services came back with vengeance and if it was not for a superb full bodied tackle three metres from the Sarries line by James Tancock then Devonport would have replied immediately. The pressure was kept up by Devonport until they made it over the line in the corner with a good team score. The successful conversion bought things level.

(1 st Third – 7-7)

 

The second third was to be more of the same but the level of rugby played by both sides made it a superb spectacle to watch. Good tackling from Chris Bayliss, David Kittow and Jon Bardot ensured that any attempts by Devonport to move things out wide where well covered. High kicks over the defensive line of Sarries were well gathered by Aled Rosser who run back into his support with vigour when space dictated but when was under pressure kick the ball and chased wonderfully well.

From a midfield break Devonport broke through and an individual run saw Devonport take the lead for the first time in the match. Again the conversion was successful. Josh Woodward was now on for the injured Tancock. With a little juggling in the pack the game again seemed to go into stalemate. The back line from the feeds of Garner saw Joe Parker, Bardot, Kittow and Bayliss all link well in constructive efforts to make the necessary ground. The Sarries rucking game was finding its feet and the mauling game as ever with Hallum Curran and Steven Gill in the fray saw Sarries take the play away from the Sarries half. The half ended with a further converted opportunistic try for Devonport. Sarries were still in the game as well they knew.

(2 nd Third – 21-7)

 

After an encouraging team talk, Sarries came out fired up and looking for the result. Good scavenging on the ground from Gill and Ditchburn on several occasions secured ball for Sarries. The tackling of all players seemed to step up a notch with Jack Price and Tom Griffiths noticeably putting themselves about dragging down the Devonport attackers. The smoother style tackling of Curran and Hurford also made the difference. With an amazing run down the wing ducking out of tackle after tackle and throwing in dazzling side steps Steven Gill crossed for a huge try that bought Sarries right back into the match. The conversion was now crucial and Garner slotted it to take Sarries back within seven.

The fire in the belly of the Sarries players was now showing as all players got involved. Josh Woodward, with ball in hand, made good yardage before being enveloped by the Devonport defence. Ball secured and off the play went again. Good play down the wing saw support on the shoulder of Bardot but he could not get the ball away to Ditchburn. Devonport were not going to lie down and let Sarries come back. From a Devonport ruck the ball was spun out and well read by Parker who intercepted the ball and ran in the try past the covering tacklers. The conversion was now to bring Sarries back on level terms. Unfortunately the kick was unsuccessful and Devonport still had the lead.

From the Services kick off, with time running out, Sarries knew they had to take the ball back up the park quickly. With the long kicked ball fumbled by Sarries it gave Devonport the chance to attack. With the ball so close to the Sarries try line it only took the second pick up and drive to get over the line. The Devonport kicker kept his 100% record for the morning and slotted the points. Sarries now needed to score twice and the fire was once more stirred. Another jinking run from Gill was to be the last play of the game as he beat four players but was then superbly tackled into touch just five metres from the Devonport try line.

(Full Time – 28-19)

 

Superb, entertaining rugby played by both sides meant that this competition was well worth the long journey despite the final result. The margin at the end was a little larger than the play had indicated that it should have been. Well done you travelling Sarries Marauders!

 

SARRIES Man Of The Match – Dominic Ditchburn (Sorry Everybody!) for his fighting spirit, game play awareness, flight of foot and putting himself into places where others would fear to tread.

 

Okehampton U13's (7 -v- 25) Exeter Saracens U13's

 

Exeter Saracens Under 13’s travelled to North Tawton to take on Okehampton.  Okehampton boast a well-drilled and physically strong set of forwards who are accustomed to winning the majority of ball. They certainly had the better of things in the scrum but were totally overwhelmed by the Sarries pack in the loose. The game was played at a tremendous pace with Saracens producing some of their best play of the season so far. The quality of the Saracens rucking repeatedly won good possession which allowed them plenty of attacking opportunities. Midway through the first half, James Slater opened the scoring for Sarries and this try was quickly followed by a second from Steve Ashford.

In the second half Sarries maintained control of the game and took the opportunity to introduce a total of nine replacements. Further tries were added by Ryan Jenner and Theo Miller before a lapse in concentration allowed Okehampton their only try of the game. The scoring was completed when Tom White on the right wing evaded a number of attempted tackles to run in a superb try from the half way line.

 

Okehampton U14's (5 -v- 26) Exeter Saracens U14's

 

Sarries won the toss and opted to play into the strong ,chilly North Tawton  wind. They started the stronger and pressurised the home sides line. Okehampton counter attacked well and took full advantage to reckless clearance kicking by the visitors and crashed over to score the opening try. Sarriea stuck to their task and continued to attack their hosts line with penetrating runs from James Westlake, Lewis Watts and Ben Harris. It wasn't long before their pressure paid off and they scored a fine try through Alex Albertyn. From the restart Sarries again took the game to Oke and scored again when Watts crossed the line for a second try. Jed Riglar stepped up and converted the try for the visitors to lead 12-5 at the break. In the second half with the wind behind them Sarries continued to take attack their hosts and scored further try's from James Westlake and Ben Boggis. Sam Gibbins converted both trys to make the final score Oke 5-Saracens 26

 

Exeter Saracens U15's (10 -v- 19) Okehampton U15's

 

Saracens dominated the first half with Luke Parker and Jake robey scoring one try each.

But in the second half injuries took there toll and a weakened sarries side were dominated by a Okehampton side who wanted the game running in 3 try's and 2 conversions.

 

Exeter Saracens U16's (7 -v- 19) Tiverton U16's

 

Sarries had to bounce back from a game they should have won last week and motivate themselves to play well against a team expected to put up a strong challenge, especially as a number of key Sarries players were away.

It was clear from the start that Tiverton had a couple of very capable players, but it never amounted to very much against a determined Sarries team.  The game swung back and forth with periods of defensive play by both teams which of course had moments of strong attack.  Sarries played very well in the scrum which dominated against a Tivvy side that couldn’t put it together, although some scrums failed for Sarries because they pushed Tivvy to far in the scrum or it was allowed to swing round further than 45 °.  Sarries were more evenly matched in the other set plays and either won or spoiled as many lineouts as they lost; they even got to the break down and the ruck to secure many balls to start moving off on the next phase of play.

The first try was a long time coming for either side, but it was a very quick Tiverton lad who managed to get around the Sarries Defence and wizz in to score a try, albeit at the time against the run of play.  Sarries came back with a strong attack that spent a good time beyond Tivvies’ 22 but couldn’t find the gap to break through.  Tivvy responded with their own attack and again spent some time in the Sarries half with Sarries putting in some great tackles.  Eventually, though Tiverton made a breaking run to put the ball over the line, only to hear the Referee’s whistle because he’d spotted a forwarded pass and awarded a scrum to Saracen’s.  However, five minutes later and a moments drop in Sarries concentration allowed Tivvy to run in a second try shortly before half time.

 At the half time whistle the score was 0 – 10 to Tiverton.

Second half Sarries had the wind behind them and used it to their advantage with a few nice kicks forward.  The game followed a similar path to the first half with strong moves by both sides met with good defensive play.  Sarries continued to win the scrum and most of their own set plays.  Both teams were playing well and kept being frustrated by the opposition such that their eagerness to gather the upper hand caused a number of infringements to blown.  Sarries made some good team and individual efforts with good hands this week to pass the ball around to make some ground.  The tactical plays to switch the phases worked like a dream both in the line outs and by the backs passing game, to the point that it caught Tivvy watching as spectators for a few seconds.  Sarries again pushed hard to get a try to bring them back into the game.  Eventually their perseverance paid off and despite the continuing strong defence from Tiverton, Captain Ory Sharland lunged forward to force his way over the line for a try between the posts.  Andy Radford stepped up to secure the additional points with a superb conversion.

Unfortunately, frustration got the better of a couple of lads and one of the infringements was grabbed by Tiverton to kick for the posts, to edge a little further ahead leaving Sarries the task of having to get a converted try to win.  Sarries didn’t lose their desire to win but couldn’t finish the job by scoring the tries that should have resulted from each foray into Tivvy territory.   Again it was Tiverton’s sprinter who grabbed a rare opportunity to dash through a small gap in Sarries’ defence to run in a long distance try from close to the half way line; a good conversion kick took the score to 19 for Tiverton and 7 for Sarries.

A good strong game from Sarries, which was an excellent performance by the team who worked hard together and didn’t really miss any substitutions.  Sarries knew they should have won the game and will need to concentrate on finishing their plays to put the points on the Board.