Western Counties West Devonport Services 21

Okehampton firsts 22

THIS was a real Jekyll and Hyde performance from the Okes, as they had to dig deep for a late win that should’ve been wrapped up much earlier.

The boys in maroon and amber put their travelling fans through the wringer as they failed to build on an impressive first 40 minutes, producing a nervous, error strewn, second period that nearly cost them what should’ve been a comfortable victory. Services started the brighter, but both sides made early errors. Oke were indebted to full back Gareth Espin when he pulled of a try-saving tackle on home winger Morrison in the first ten minutes.

Gradually Oke gained both possession and territory and on eleven minute skipper Tom Powell missed a penalty kick. The visitors then began to string phases together and they tested the home defence with several promising attacks.

In the 16th minute another attack reached centerfield on the services 22. Oke scrum half Joey Bruce used Gareth Evans as an effective decoy and slipped through a gap maul side before racing over for a trademark score. Powell missed the extras, but Oke were gaining ascendancy.

With young flanker George Baker pilfering several good turnovers, and the scrum becoming increasingly dominant, Oke controlled the remainder of the half. Full back Espin was constant thorn in the Services side as he threatened in the wide channels on several occasions, only for the final pass or option to be a poor one. Eventually after it seemed certain to score twice, Oke stretched the home defenders both left and then right before skipper Tom Powell was Johnny on the spot as he popped up to score to make it 10-0.

Oke cranked up the pressure in the set scrum as the half entered its dying minutes. So dominant were the visitors that they turned down a penalty kick under the posts and opted for the scrummage instead. The choice proved to be a wise one as they shunted Services’ eight backwards and number eight Tom McGratton grounded the ball as the scrum advanced relentlessly. This time replacement kicker, centre Matt Johns added the simple conversion and it was 17-0 as the first half time reached its conclusion.

Services scored only minutes into the second half as prop Reynolds went up the blindside. After 48 minutes home fly half Anstis landed a penalty to reduce the Oke’s lead to nine points. Oke regrouped to create several more chances to put the game to bed but Another landed penalty move the hosts to within six points.

Home belief was increasing and Oke soon found themselves under the cosh in their 22. Prop Nicky Martin was awarded a yellow card and Services seized their chance. Home captain Rocky Young was shunted over for a try after 73 minutes, and when Anstis potted the conversion Oke amazingly found themselves behind in a match they should have put to bed long ago.

When the home number ten added another penalty a couple of minutes later, Oke found themselves now needing a try to regain the lead. This Oke side are proving that they are a fitter model than previous years.

Attacking from deep the ball eventually found Espin galloping up the right flank after a well-executed long pass. The full back was caught inches short, but from the resultant ruck, scrum half Joey Bruce showed great awareness and guile as he sneaked over on an unguarded short side for a crucial score. The conversion was wide, but with barely two minutes left on the clock Oke were back in front. There was one last nervous moment as Anstis missed an ambitious drop goal attempt, but it was the Okes who emerged victorious, and with a priceless five point away victory to boot.