IN late December, trials took place for the Devon Under 15's rugby squad. Students were selected by their PE teachers if they believed they had potential to play for the county.

For two days the players had to prove themselves. The first day consisted of playing 20 v 20 games and on the second day playing a variety of games.

Once the days were over and the boys had been completely worn out, it was up to the coaches and scouts to pick their players.

Paul Tearle, PE teacher at QE Academy, Crediton, put through six players to trial for the Devon squad.

Out of the 125 student players put forward by their schools and only the top 40 being selected, QE managed to have four students selected to play for the Devon Squad.

The four talented students are, Ollie Avery-Wright, Jamie Mackenzie, Harry Strong and Dan Yendell, all from Year 10.

The boys have now undergone intensive training on a three day boot camp with the rest of the squad. They worked on different aspects of the game, as well as getting to know the other members of their squad.

The Devon A and B team have now played their first games against Somerset, an unbeaten team in all of their previous games and managed to win both.

Ollie, Jamie, Harry and Dan said: "We would like to thank everyone that has helped us get where we are. To our parents for driving us around, to Mr Tearle for selecting us and to QE for helping us cover the cost for our kit and residential training trip.

"The season looks very hopeful for us, and we are having a great time. However, we have not lost sight of the most important factor and that is enjoying our rugby."

Paul Tearle, PE teacher, commented: "All four lads have worked really hard over the years. They are the pick of a very talented squad of players that have worked hard together, both at Crediton Rugby Club and under the guidance of our PE department since starting at QE.

As a department, we knew the team was going to be good! Ollie, Jamie, Harry and Dan have been at the heart of the success and it is fantastic for both QE and the club that we have four representatives in the Devon set-up.

"Well done, lads, on a fantastic achievement."