Devonport Services U14s got the 2023 season off to a flying start with a 52-10 victory over Saltash, away at Moorlands Lane today (24 Sep 23). Hard work in training seemed to pay off, particularly in the first 20 minutes, with some solid work from the forwards, punching holes in Saltash’s defensive line, and the backs taking advantage and using their well rehearsed set-pieces to confuse the opposition, shifting the ball out wide and landing over the try line in succession. Strength and depth in the squad made team selection somewhat of a headache for the coaching team, but debutants Toby Nankivell, Ashton Powell and Adam Kevern proved themselves as equals amongst their more experienced team mates, with Toby in particular running some solid lines and creating problems for Saltash. Try scorers today were Ellis Briggs x2, Archie Ingle, Joel Medland-Fisher, Oliver Flowers x2, Logan Early, and Ollie Martinez. With Ollie Flowers converting 6 out of 8 tries. The team were well led on the field by Captain Theo Pennington and VC Maxwell Orton who both lead by example, putting on some fine displays of rugby themselves, and displaying the TREDS qualities throughout the game. There are, as always, some things to work on in training, but the boys should all be immensely proud of their victory today. A well deserved win, with some outstanding individual displays of rugby skill. Joseph Nott was the “Player of the Day” today for his solid performance as Loosehead – his ball carrying, tackling, support work and fitness was outstanding today. A great start to the season for the U14s. Onwards and upwards from here. Well done to all. – U14 Coaches.