South West one (West)

OKEHAMPTON 44

HORNETS 7

DECEMBER matches at Okelands used to be a mud fest, now Okes’ expansive game can benefit from their new firm playing surface.

After a week of substantial precipitation the spectators gathered to watch a fine open match, played on a pitch that held up superbly. Weston-super-Mare based Hornets were visiting for the first time in the league and they played their part in this entertaining encounter.

The Okes began up the slope and into a slight breeze. Both sides demonstrating early attacking intent, looking to bring their backs into play as initial width saw both defences tested. The hosts opened their account after two minutes when Richie Friend slotted a penalty award for a high tackle to give the Okes a quick three point advantage.

They nearly stretched it further two minutes later after a knifing Rhys Palmer break, unfortunately for Oke the scoring pass went to ground and the chance was gone. Hornets struck back on 11 minutes. Needless Oke indiscipline allowed the visitors to boot a penalty into the bottom right hand corner. The initial catch and drive was repelled, but a second phase charge from visiting number eight Matt Parker saw him cross midway out on the right to give Hornets the lead. The conversion was good and the visitors had a four point advantage.

Defences were on top for the next ten minutes as both sides were strung across the pitch, handling errors and decent defence keeping things scoreless. Then on 27 minutes, home stand half Dan Fogerty showed the ball nicely in two hands, ghosted through the Hornet’s defence before timing his pass perfectly to the supporting Kieran Lee. The prolific left winger raced over in the corner to regain the lead for the hosts, although Friend conversion was held up short in the gathering breeze.

Hornets were still in the contest at this point though, increasingly on the attack and the Okes had to be resilient in defence to maintain their lead as the half ebbed away. The Okes, encouraged by an increasingly vociferous home backing, rallied and started to show flashes of decent interplay. They attacked from deep and eventually set up camp close to the line in clubhouse corner. Several close range charges were resisted before tight-head Rob Dugard was halted on the line. As the ball was recycled, ever alert home scrum half Joey Bruce saw his opportunity and quickly snuck over to pilfer a vital score on the interval. The conversion was again awry, but at 13-7 up with the conditions in their favour next up, the Okes were relatively content.

Already without skipper Tom McGrattan, the Okes then lost the influential Richie Friend to injury; Rob Fishleigh entering the fray to replace him.

In the second forty Okehampton maintained tempo, intent and effort to put their visitors firmly on the back foot. Early exchanges were relatively even, both sides entering opposition territory but failing to come away with any points.

On 54 minutes, the increasing dominance of the Okes’ set scrum bore  fruit. Twice the Okes drove forward close to the visitors’ line and after the first set piece was reset, the second effort also wheeled but Gareth Evans at number eight picked up and powered his way over to further extend the maroon and amber advantage. Kieran Lee was unsuccessful with the conversion.

The increasing pressure and pace was now starting to take its toll on the tiring visitors, as Okes came on strongly in the last quarter. On 61 minutes the home side struck again, gaining a try bonus point for good measure. Bevon Armitage, putting in another huge shift in midfield, charged through the middle and was tackled 15 metres out. The alert centre picked up, and went straight through the dissolving ruck to cross under the posts for a fifth try converted by replacement kicker Lee.

The result was no longer in doubt, but the Okes were keen to continue the entertainment and to increase their points for column for good measure.

On 65 minutes Karl Pearce, a forceful presence throughout, found himself in  the wide channels up the right flank; the lock powered through attempted tackles to score and increase the lead to 32-7 after Lee’s well struck conversion.

Hornets were still battling gamely but increasingly struggled to cope with the pace of Oke’s game. They had possession in Oke’s half on 70 minutes but when a turnover ensued, they were soon in trouble once more. Astutely visualising the resultant open space, Joey Bruce kicked ahead into the vacant Hornets backfield, as the visitors defence turned only to see a flying Ryan Lee whizz past them. The left winger displayed great pace to be first to the ball, before picking up and diving over for a classic counter attack score. Sibling Kieran was on the money with the extras to make it 39-7.

In the last ten minutes Hornets rallied but Okes were in no mood to ease off. Five minutes remained when Okes scores the seventh, and best, try of another rewarding afternoon’s efforts.

A counter from deep in the Okes half, saw Joey Bruce as the catalyst. Sneaking up the short side he offloaded to half back partner Dan Fogarty in close support; the fly half racing forward before drawing the defence with a deft inside pop to Ryan Lee who dashed over to round off a superb score and a decent team performance to boot.

The conversion was wide but it mattered little; the final whistle arriving minutes later to keep the Okes firmly ensconced in second place in the table.

Another five points in the bag for an Okes side that is relishing the firm surface and return to the front pitch. The boys are developing a  great team spirit and tangible bond that is going to be increasingly tested as the rest of the season unfolds.