Devon Youth Games
8th September 2007, Okehampton

On 8th September 2007 the Plymouth boys hockey team travelled to Okehampton to compete in the Devon Youth Games.

The weather was very hot almost like summer and there was no shade to be found anywhere.

The Mayor officially opened the games and the matches started, the first game against Torbay was a tricky encounter with Olly Elliot- Smith giving Plymouth the lead but Torbay equalised two minutes before time, the boys dug deep in the sweltering heat to score two goals in the last minute from Olly again and Francis Saunders-Smith. Finishing 3-1 winners.

Our next two games against West Devon and Exeter were both won 1-0 Olly Elliot-Smith scoring a goal in each game to continue his rich vain of scoring.

The tempo was increased for the fourth game against Teignbridge with Plymouth coming out 3-0 winners 2 goals again from Olly and a superb move and finish completed by Ross Launce

The legs were now getting tired ad the heat affecting the team with the next 2 games both 0-0 draws against Torridge and Mid Devon, then into the last game against rivals South Hams, who beat Plymouth last year piping them to win the tournament, the South Hams goalie was the difference making many inspired saves to deny Olly, numerous occasions , Will Taper, Jake Figg to name a few with very good shots on target, with frustration setting in South Hams scored two quick goals to run out winners 2-0.

Plymouth had done enough though to secure first place in the tournament, an achievement not matched for a few years.

The boys all did themselves proud and the effort put in all day was excellent, especially with the weather being so hot

Thanks to all the parents who came to support us.

Team : Ashley Ferguson (GK), Lewis Waite, Ross Launce, Jake Figg, Francis Saunders-Smith, Oliver Elliot-Smith, Will Taper, James Grant, Sam Milne

Goal Scores: Oliver Elliot-Smith: 6, Francis Saunders-Smith: 1, Ross Launce: 1