Okehampton 33

President's XV 31

BEAUTIFUL sunshine, a star studded President's side and a large crowd put all the ingredients in place for a great President's day at Okehampton Rugby Club, and the occasion certainly did not disappoint. It was a fine game, with both sides fully committed, resulting in a highly enjoyable spectacle that went right down to the wire.

President Rob Ewen had put together a strong side, containing some young Okehampton players plying their trade elsewhere, complimented by a Royal Navy influx, boasting respected names from across the South West. The visitors were not just here to make up the numbers, and their desire to win shone through until the climax.

Playing down the slope the visitor's formidable pack set the tone early on by using their experience and size, taking the game to the hosts. They soon crossed for the first try via an unstoppable rolling maul from a five metre lineout.

It did not take the hosts long to respond though, as winger Tom McGratton was put clear up the left flank via good hands and showed great pace to touchdown. Fellow winger Craig Dennis added the extras. Back came the President's side and they produced a carbon copy score; this time experienced prop Wayne Reed found himself at the bottom of the pile. This time the score was converted by Ian Morgan as the hosts found themselves 12-7 behind.

It was not for long though before McGratton pilfered an interception and running 80 meters to regain the lead, with Dennis again adding the extra two points. The visitors now dominating possession in the sunshine. Led from the front by skipper Dan Parkes and Bob Armstrong, their pack was making life difficult for the Oke eight The pressure eventually told, as Ewen's men produced their third rumble over the whitewash to leave the half time score at 19-14 to the guests.

The second half kicked off and the heat was forcing both sides to make numerous, rolling substitutions. The Okes struggled to stop the unstoppable force that was the president's pack.

Their fourth try also came from a rolling maul as they stretched their lead to 12 points, with scrum half Cam Setter adding the extras.

Kevin Dennis was now coming to the fore, guesting for the Okes he made an arching break and put brother Craig away for an unopposed run in to reduce the arrears to five points. Oke were now looking stronger as the visiting eight began to tire. Jack Elliot was showing up well in attack and defence for the hosts. The rangy number eight made a break that ended with Kevin Dennis taking the scoring pass, and regain the lead for the home side.

The crowd were then treated to a rare delight as coach Brett Luxton donned his boots for the last 15 minutes. The Okes visibly grew in stature, as they fed off his offloads and looked to stretch their lead. However, the Presidents forced their way over the whitewash from a forward thrust.

In the last few minutes home scrum half Joey Bruce made a stunning break from his own 20; Brett Luxton was on his shoulder to take play deep into the visitors half, and he fed to Kevin Dennis who scorched over for the winning score. He missed the conversion but at 33-31 the final whistle went as the crowd applauded all the players for a fine spectacle, and left the chairman smiling with the fruits of all his hard work. It was a great way for the club to end the season.