Crediton Colts 5

Okehampton Colts 35

THIS was not a league match but being a local derby both sides were up for the game and credit must go to Crediton as they made Okehampton work hard for every point.

It was a game of high skill levels and commitment, well refereed by Paddy Dummett. Okehampton's pack laid the foundation for the win with the backs securing the points — front row Scott Simpson, Brad Hudson, Mike Panton and Tom Richards, with Andrew Fishleigh coming on in the second half, all played well.

Pack leader Tom McGratton led from the front carrying well and securing good lineout ball; back row Luke Crocker won useful turnover ball, while Will Heard and Will Hawkins were everywhere providing the links with scrum-half Richard Friend to put the backs away. Okehampton wing Darcy Heard scored the only try of the first half which started from inside the Okes' 22 and went through lots of hands before Darcy touched down.

In the second half, with the slope advantage, the Okehampton tries soon came with wing James Bird managing to find space outside his man on this narrow pitch. Centres Carl Poynton and Rory Honeychurch, along with full-back Jake Chisholm, ran good lines to open up the stubborn Crediton defence. Honeychurch touched down and fly-half Kevin Dennis also scored twice after strong runs up the middle to score by the post; he also kicked three conversions with Poynton kicking the other two.

l Colts at are home to Launceston U19s on Boxing Day, kick off at 11 am.