Okehampton emerge narrow victors from derby duel

DERBY clashes like these are always close affairs and this one was no different with Okehampton emerging as narrow victors on Saturday, October 3.

Both sides were looking to follow up opening day successes but the Okes were without Messrs Simmons and Woods. Their reshuffle needed reshuffling once more when Tom McGrattan was forced to leave the field in the first quarter.

As a result, it was hardly surprising to see Okehampton far from their fluent best, instead relying on the power of the forwards.

On their first entry into the 22, the hosts showed admirable patience before ploughing over from short range to make it 7-0.

Okehampton received their fair share of penalties and from one, the ball was moved left where Leon Horn looped around to take a pass and slice through the home defence. He converted to bring the scores level.

Struggling to deal with the Crediton kicking game, an unnecessary knock-on set up a Creddy try with which they were clinical but they couldn’t convert the extras.

Okehampton re-emerged for the second half down by five points and saw the pattern of the match continue in a similar vein.

The home side forced an early penalty for a high tackle, and landed it convincingly, to extend their lead to eight points. That was as good as it got for them though as the visitors utilised their forwards to work their way back into the game.

They were soon to score their second try of the contest and again it was the scrum that was the platform. Attacking from another set piece, a ruck was formed in midfield, number eight Saul Holliday picked up and ran through the unprotected central area to swallow dive in under the posts. Horn converted and the margin was then a mere point.

Into the last quarter and Okes continued to apply the pressure. They lost winger Marley Parker to force a further backs reshuffle but the forwards still on, forced a lockable penalty award. Horn failed to land it though and the slim deficit remained.

Entering the final ten minutes, the visitors continued to strive for the decisive score. Continuous pressure forced another penalty which this time was potted gleefully by Horn and for the first time in a match they mostly dominated, Okes were ahead.

The hosts unsurprisingly responded, but Okehampton’s defence held firm and their scum continued to monopolise, forcing a yellow card to confirm their superiority. There were a few nervous moments as Okes failed to clear effectively but ultimately, they saw out the remainder relatively comfortably to be rewarded with a capable away victory.

In truth, not a classic, but these matches rarely are. In contrast to last week where the Okes won despite lacking possession, whilst also under pressure in the set scrum. This week they won from behind with the opposites applying.

Next week brings a rearranged encounter with an ambitious Tiverton side, always in the upper echelons of the table. Home support could prove a considerable advantage, so please make your way to the show ground to support the boys in maroon and amber (3pm KO).

Brett Luxton, the Okehampton coach, said the derby atmosphere motivated his side.

“Our scrum was better than it had been against Wiveliscombe and we showed a much-improved attitude,” said Luxton.

“Local derbies always focus the mind.”