On an already tired looking surface, conditions had worsened during the warm up to set the scene for a very muddy and tight encounter.

Welcoming debutantes Robyn and Charlotte to the team, Okehampton fought hard to soak up some early pressure before getting their hands on the ball.

Once ball was in hand a number of phases were strung together with powerful carries up front making inroads into the home defence.

The deadlock was finally broken when from half-way out Imogen, who tackled and carried well all day, spotted some weak shoulders to run at.

Breaking the line of defence, she pinned her ears back to show the defenders a clean pair of heels as she ran in a fine individual effort under the posts. Tilly added the conversion for 0-7 Okehampton.

Going in front seemed to add confidence to the lady’s game as they looked beyond their carriers up front to play some more expansive rugby.

Twice, good hands were used across the backline to ship the ball wide to the constant threat that is Issy. Issy used her frightening pace to round the defence and rack up another brace of trys for herself. Tilly added a further conversion bringing the score to 0-19.

Finally, following a good period of sustained pressure from the forwards, in the dying moments of the first half, Tilly found herself in space scooting over for an unconverted try of her own. 0-24.

The ladies took to the pitch in the second half hoping for more of the same but with the pitch worsening and legs already drained from the mud, the ladies were drawn into an arm-wrestle upfront and struggled to move the ball with any real purpose.

From here on out the hosts took the upper-hand (and possession) probing the Oke defence tirelessly for weaknesses.

Despite resolute defence from the entire team, eventually the pressure told and the Teigns raced in for a converted score bringing the score back to 7-24.

Teignmouth could sense a comeback and with their tails in the air they retained the ball well to force Okehampton into a number of infringements in and around the rucks.

It was from these penalties that the Teigns made the Okes pay, forcing further indiscipline through a series of quick tap penalties followed up by strong carries through the midfield.

As the Okes valiantly guarded their line they lost two players to the bin. This lack of numbers took its toll on the remaining players who then conceded a try from close range followed by a penalty try after sustained pressure. 19-24.

The Okes came together to compose themselves for the final minutes. More strong tackling in midfield forced a turnover following which the ball was moved wide and kicked off the pitch to bring the game to a close, much to the relief of the coaches and the strong travelling support contingent. Final score 19-24.

Player of the match was Amy who in addition to hitting 99% of the rucks, propped up the scrums during the ladies first experience of fully contested scrummaging.

The ladies now have a three week break before hosting Helston at the Show Ground for a top of the table clash on 13th November. All support is greatly appreciated.

If you’d like to join the ladies we are always welcoming new players to training 7-8:30pm on Thursdays at the rugby club.