Crediton U14s 7 Okehampton U14s 14 THIS was the best performance this season by the young Okes. Crediton had put 27 points past them earlier in the year. With both teams playing a forward dominated game, this local derby was to be a war of attrition. Playing down the slope, Crediton attacked the visitors? line for much of the first quarter. Okehampton?s tackling was superb with Cameron Rickerby, Merrick Kirby and Phil Downie leading the way. Crediton crossed the line once but were unable to ground the ball. In the early scrums, the Okes forwards were under pressure, losing a few against the head, but as the half went on, they started to work their way up the pitch. With good interplay between Chris Penna and Josh Ware, in his first start for the side, the Okes took play up to the home team?s 22, where an excellent forward drive led to Penna crashing over for the first score, converted by Will Hawkin. Crediton came back strongly and were rewarded with a try when support running by the forwards led to a score under the posts to leave the score at 7-7 at the break. The start of the second half saw Okehampton raise their game. The scrums were more stable, and won good lineout ball. Okehampton played to their own strength, with good forward runs by Hawkin, Edwin Kendal and Andy Fishliegh. Rob Stepto was hungry for the ball all game. From a driving maul into the home side 22, Penna spun off the back to score his second try under the posts, again converted by Hawkin. The final quarter saw Creddy camped in the Okes? 22. They threw everything at the visitors. Okehampton?s defence has been excellent this season, and so it proved the difference again. Every player tackled his heart out to protect their slender lead, and richly deserved the win.
