Final Score: Devon 50, Somerset 0

On Sunday, December 1st, 2024, Devon RFU U18 Boys traveled to Hartpury College in Gloucestershire for a late 4 PM kickoff against Somerset. Despite the journey, Devon started strong, showcasing the strategies they had honed in recent training sessions.

Just 4 minutes into the game, Jake McKenzie (No. 6) from Devonport Services RFC scored the first try, setting the tone for the match. With no penalties or conversions being kicked due to the trial nature of the game, the score stood at 5-0. Two minutes later, Rob Hennessy (No. 15) from Sidmouth RFC added another try, bringing the score to 10-0.

Devon continued to dominate, particularly in the scrums. By the 8th minute, Charlie Bosanko (No. 13) from Ivybridge RFC crossed the line for another try, making it 15-0. Despite Somerset’s best defensive efforts, Jake McKenzie scored his second try in the 13th minute, pushing the score to 20-0.

The game was briefly halted due to a back injury to the Somerset hooker, requiring medical attention and a stretcher. After a lengthy delay, the match resumed, and Oisin Smith (No. 4) from Devonport Services RFC quickly scored the fifth try, ending the first half at 25-0.

The second half mirrored the first in intensity. Four minutes in, Harry Westlake (No. 8) from Ivybridge College scored, making it 30-0. In the 9th minute, winger Jack Guyver (No. 14) from Ivybridge RFC added another try, followed by Will Lane (Fly Half) in the 12th minute, bringing the score to 40-0.

Two minutes later, Charlie Bosanko scored his second try of the match, extending the lead to 45-0. Somerset struggled with lineouts and scrums, and replacement prop Maxim Cole from Paignton RFC sealed the final try, concluding the game at 50-0.

Due to the earlier injury delay and the selectors having seen enough, the second half was cut short to 20 minutes. While this was disappointing for the parents who travelled to Hartpury, it was a sensible decision given the circumstances.