Devon Knockout Cup final

Brixham 35

Okehampton 20

THIS was a fitting finale to a fantastic season as the Okes put in an heroic performance in the South Devon sunshine at Brixham.

Bathed in South Devon sunshine, the boys in maroon and amber were a credit to their club and South West one rugby, as they rounded off an excellent season for ORFC with an outstanding effort in this, the club’s third Devon Cup final appearance.

They may be small in stature, but the Okes are huge in heart. As a man, from one to 25, they raised themselves for one last almighty effort after a bruising outing last Saturday at rock hard Clevedon.

Travelling as underdogs it was always a huge ask against a side established in the league above, boasting players from far and wide, many with years of experience at even higher levels. Brixham eventually ran out worthy winners and laid on a superb day all round for Devon rugby, but the Okes took nothing but positives from the occasion as they look to build on a very satisfactory season all round for the club.

A large contingent of vocal visiting supporters cheered as the Okes ran out for kick off; playing up the slight slope but with the benefit of a slight breeze at their backs. The physically imposing Brixham pack secured the kick off and after a ferocious start from both sides it was the hosts who drew first blood, after being awarded a penalty for hands at a ruck after only three minutes. Home full back Lovell popped over the straightforward chance to establish an early lead for the Fishermen.

Far from being overawed, the visitors were straight back in the host’s faces; harrying and pressing the opposition to gain a penalty of their own which they punted into the corner. The lineout, which functioned effectively all match, secured clean ball and after several forays, including a decisive one from the potent Kevin Dennis, livewire scrum half Joey Bruce sniped his way over the line to stun the home crowd. The conversion was wide of the target, but with seven minutes on the clock the home side knew this would be no stroll in the park.

The match continued at a hectic pace and the Okes’ defence had to be on its toes as Brixham began to bring their powerful forwards onto the ball. Okes coped well, but on 12 minutes the home side applied enough pressure to break the Oke line and score their first five pointer. After good offloads amongst the Fishermen’s pack, it was Kenyan lock Malcolm Onsando who was the ultimate beneficiary, as he stretched out to re-establish the home side’s advantage. Lovell missed the extras. The next ten minutes saw Brixham continue their forward orientated approach, whilst the Okes had their own threatening moments as their outside backs looked to penetrate from all over the pitch.

As the half wore on the home pack became increasingly forceful in the loose. While the outstanding Oke back row were putting in a herculean shift, flanker Dean Abrams yet again accumulating a huge tackle count.

After 30 minutes home scrum half Worthington opted for the quick tap and go, and he caught the Okes on the hop as he fed prop Russ Morris, who powered over to extend the home advantage approaching the interval. Lovell added the two points. This breathless forty was not done yet however as the Okes responded, forcing a penalty chance which Okes’ centre Richie Friend slotted the chance sweetly to reduce the deficit to 15-8  at the interval.  

The second half kicked off and the visitors were soon back on the offensive. Replacement back rower Simon Cox forced another kickable penalty chance. Unfortunately this time Richie Friend pulled his effort left.

Okehampton were  still keen to move the ball in hand though. After another one of many rampaging forays from number eight and skipper Tom McGrattan, the Okes went through enough phases to force a five metre scrum in the top right corner. A  forceful shove created an opening blind as the hosts wheeled to prevent a pushover. McGrattan fed scrum half Bruce who put winger Kevin Dennis, a thorn in the host’s side all afternoon, over in the corner to send the visiting crowd into raptures. The tricky conversion was awry but with 25 minutes remaining set the match up for a thrilling climax.

The realisation that the long hoped for home cup final victory was now under serious threat galvanised the home side.

Effective driving phased patterns by Brixham saw them cross for the third try after 58 minutes, and once more it was that man Morris who proved unstoppable from close range. Lovell slotted the conversion. Brixham then extended their lead twice during the next period through the reliable boot of Lovell for 28-13.

The replacements brought impetus, the Oke scrum became increasingly dominant as the visitors threw everything at their hosts.

Time was not the Okes friend, but with six minutes remaining they got the score their attacking efforts duly deserved. When the ball was spread down the hill in the hosts’ 22 it was Kevin Dennis once more who cut the decisive angle. Against the grain he stepped, used his powerful hand off , then reached out to score and bring the Okes right back into contention. Richie Friend had no problems from in front with the extra two and there was still hope.

However, it was not to be for the brave Okes as Brixham extended their lead with further scores.

The Okes play brought deserved compliments and admiration from many directions.

Ultimately the extra experience and the ability to land kicks at goal, at crucial moments, proved the difference.

The Oke side gave it their all and earned the respect of their opposition, while also setting a benchmark to aspire to next season.

This was a great way to finish off a very rewarding season for the entire club.

The club thank everyone who travelled to support the club and look forward to next season.