OKEHAMPTON U16s finished their junior rugby journey in style, as they deservedly came home with silverware, a just reward for all their efforts.

The boys were determined to follow in the first team footsteps — who had just won the Western Counties league and earned promotion — and bring home the final victory. Oke U16s did just that in a three-way final with Plymstock and Cullompton, held at Brixham RFC, despite Oke having clearly topped the Fishermens’ league at its conclusion.

Regardless, Oke met the challenge of having to play two 25 minutes contests against Plymstock and Cullompton to emerge victorious. The Oke defence was key throughout as they never allowed the opposition sides near their try line.

In the first match they saw off the Plymstock challenge with a 12-0 victory.

The juggling Harry Cole securing the opening try after a decent backs handling move, well converted by Ben Mckenna-Smith.

The try that secured victory came after the interval from industrious flanker Jack Ogbourne, finishing off a trademark Oke series of pick and drives.

The second and deciding contest saw Okes pitched against an improved Cullompton outfit. Oke won the hard way, victorious by a solitary try. Cullompton never really threatened. Hooker Adam Wonnacott ploughed over for the vital early score, taking a crash ball on the blindside to secure the vital five points. When the final whistle went the players, supporters, coaching team rejoiced in a well deserved finale.

Thanks must go to all the coaches and parents who put in so much effort over the last ten years as many of the boys now move onto senior rugby in the form of Colts.

The future of the maroon and amber will continue to shine brightly over the coming years.