Western Counties West

Okehampton 10

Teignmouth 14

A BRAVE and much improved performance was not quite enough as the Okes went down to a narrow defeat against their high flying visitors.

Coach Evans had obviously worked the boys hard in training this week, and they were unrecognisable from the side that went down tamely at Tiverton last Saturday.

This week they gave it their all from minute one, and were extremely unlucky to come away with just a solitary bonus point after they matched the promotion chasing Teigns in virtually all departments. Oke, welcoming Carl Poynton back at ten after injury, started with intensity, particularly in the tackle. Teignmouth had plenty of possession up the slope in the first 40 yards, but the Okes' defence held firm to restrict the visitors to one penalty in the first quarter. Teignmouth's fly half Fellows slotted it to grab a 3-0 lead after 15 minutes had elapsed.

Okehampton were matching their heavier visitors in all aspects up front except the lineout. The problem of winning clean ball after touch was again proving a thorn in the hosts' side. The Okes were definitely on top at scrum time though, and on several occasions got into promising positions only to fail to force them home.

As the interval approached Teignmouth went six points ahead with another straightforward Fellows place kick. This was almost immediately followed by a missed effort from Oke winger Lewis Taylor.

However, there was still time before the break for Poynton to mark his return with a three pointer, well struck out of the sticky conditions underfoot. The first half was not an open classic, but a good old fashioned scrap between two committed sides on a less than ideal playing surface. The break came with the game evenly balanced.

The Okes, behind and playing up the slope in the second half, were underdogs against a side confident in their own promotion aspirations. Teignmouth missed a chance to extend their narrow lead after a missed penalty before Oke struck back with gusto. A ferocious rolling maul took Oke close to the try line. The hosts were held up just short and a scrum ensued. Ball from the rear went to returning scrum half Joey Bruce, and he timed his pass to perfection to allow blind side winger Rob Fishleigh to add to his growing try tally.

It was now a case of whether the Okes could hold onto their lead against the expected visiting onslaught. This they did manfully, apart from one occasion which ultimately cost them a valuable victory. Midway through the half an Oke kick ahead was not chased effectively enough. Two missed tackles and a forward looking pass allowed centre Will Sowden to cross in the bottom left corner and regain the lead for the visitors.

At 11-10 Oke rallied and strove for a penalty that could give them victory. A couple of penalties were taken quickly when a pot at posts may have been a wiser option.

Teignmouth held out and re-entered Oke's territory one last time. Home hooker Chris Knott made a tackle for which he was yellow carded and the resultant penalty was landed by Fellows to leave Oke needing a try in the short time that remained.

The hosts valiantly gave it one last shot, and were in the visitor's 22 when the referee blew for time.

It was a brave effort by the Okes, but another defeat nonetheless.

n This Saturday they are away Truro in the league, kick-off 2.30pm.

n OKEHAMPTON RFC is resurrecting the Boxing Day fixture this year. This game will be between a Club XV and an Exiles XV made up from Okehampton players who have gone on to play for other clubs or university teams. Kick off will be at 11am. Lunch will be available after the game.

The club is trying to make contact with as many past players as possible with a view to inviting them to a vice presidents and past players reunion lunch on Saturday, February 21 when the first XV are at home to Tavistock. 

If you ever played for Okehampton RFC call Max Turner on 07940 555771 or Adrian Williams on 01837 851320 for your tickets which will cost £10 each. If you cannot attend on that day, please leave contact details with Max or Adrian.