South West premier

OKEHAMPTON 28

CAMBORNE 14

THIS was one of those ‘I was there’ days for all affiliated with Okehampton RFC. It was a momentous chapter in Okes history, as the men in maroon and amber did the club proud with a performance to saviour.

This was the Okes’ first home game at this level, hosting a long-established side with a long history and counting numerous county caps amongst their ranks.

Visitors Camborne kicked off down the slope first up and Okehampton gave their visitors far too much respect though in the opening quarter. Coupled with a hesitation in defence, this allowed the Cornish side to establish an early advantage.

In the 10th minute, after turning over a close range defensive lineout, the Okes failed to clear their lines and conceded a five metre scrum as a result. From the set piece initial defence was firm, but eventually a forward drive around the fringes proved unstoppable. The conversion from outside half Brownfield was straightforward.

The home side restarted but the visitors were soon back on the attack. A certain score was prevented by Okes winger Gareth Espin, who saw yellow after knocking down the final try scoring pass. The penalty went to the corner but the Okes spoilt the visitors’ line out and eventfully cleared. On the 16 minute mark Camborne pounced on the loose lineout ball, allowing the visitors back three to conjure up a score that was run around behind the posts. The easy conversion making it a 14-0 ball game approaching the end of the first quarter.

The Okes, after showing earlier glimpses of their threat with ball in hand, began to secure possession and field position. They set up a period of sustained pressure deep in the Town 22. Okes opted to batter around the fringes with limited success. However, Okehampton finally cut loose just after the half hour mark. Spreading the ball from deep, an arching break from Gareth Espin was followed by slick interplay between half backs Richard Bolt and Rhys Palmer, which eventfully saw Palmer race clear of the cover defence to cross for a fine score that brought the home crowd to life.

Camborne soon responded however, and found themselves making ground down the Okes’ right flank once more. A score looked a distinct possibility, until a superb piece of turnover technique from Okes’ young flanker Ollie Francis, who stripped the ball allowing the Okes to counter again from deep. Thanks to runs from Ryan Lee and Rhys Palmer the ball came to Sam Turner who got up a head of steam before a forward rumble saw powerful prop Rob Dugard open his account for the season with a short range touchdown. Unfortunately the conversion was again awry for 14-12 to Camborne at the interval.

In the second forty the Okes were still a man up and definitely the side on the front foot. Improved lineout play, with new debutant hooker Reece Bartlett displaying fine passing, was giving the Okes a solid platform and a steady supply of ball. The Okes took the lead after a penalty award, which allowed full back Luke Simmons to successfully land the kick to make it 15-14 to the hosts after 47 minutes. The home side then brought returning skipper Tom McGrattan off the bench.

A much merited five pointer for Oke finally arrived in the 63rd minute. Espin was again involved, before the ball eventually found its way to centre Bevon Armitage. Showing great strength and demonstrating a mean pirouette/ dummy combo, he was eventually hauled down just short, but the damage had already been done. It was left to arch poacher Robbie Dugard to plough over, one pass out from the resultant ruck, to stretch the Okes lead to five points after another missed conversion.

Oke brought on their other replacements as this exciting match continued to race by.

On 72 minutes, and with the visitors becoming increasingly stretched and tired, the Okes struck once more. A neat loop move involving Rhys Palmer and his inside centre Armitage followed and he needed no second invitation to race through the gap for Okes’ fourth try. The conversion drifted wide, but it mattered little as the five points were now secure.

There was little incident of note in the few minutes that remained and the final whistle blew to round off a perfect home start for the Okes.

This was a superb effort from the Okes, and one that proves that the side are capable of competing at this level. Despite still being without many regulars the side is improving week on week, and the clubs strength in depth continues to shine through.

This Saturday Okehampton are away to Drybrook.