Okes sparse front row resources were stretched to the limit with a late withdrawal leaving them with no hooker and a patched up front three. Sam Snell, playing at 8, was throwing in at lineout time and the hosts just couldn't muster any set piece solidity throughout, and therefore had a scarcity of possession to play with.

The promoted visitors arrived for the very first time and really didn't have to create much, as their territorial and set piece dominance meant the Okes could pose little threat attacking wise. The referee also penalised Okes continuously which certainly didn't help the maroon and ambers cause, whilst two home yellow cards just made things even harder.

Okes played up the slope first forty on a dark, grey mizzly afternoon. The early exchanges saw Okes move wide what ball they did actually glean. A bright spark being the return of Richie Friend to the side for the first time this campaign, showing up well in both attack and defence. There was not too much between the sides at this point, as handling errors abounded for both outfits. An early visitors penalty was supplemented by two unconverted first half tries as the Okes, starved of ball, tried to counter but couldn't actually create any clear scoring opportunities.

The second half began, and although it was only a 13 point deficit, it was difficult to see how Okes could force a breakthrough. The Okes backs had moments throughout, but when you are unable to provide a platform up front it makes life very difficult. Chew, never really having to get out of third gear, bagged another brace of five pointers in the second forty as the Okes packed were pinged relentlessly at scrum time. When the final whistle came, Okes remained pointless at home for the first time in longer than most can remember.

Its a difficult period for the Okes, with injuries and unavailability abounding. The Maroon and Ambers need to rediscover their early season form as they seek some confidence boosting performances over the upcoming weeks. Next week brings a trip to Lydney in the Forest, and although its a long journey, any support would certainly be welcomed as the lads look to gain vital points on the road... 'Come On You Okes!'...

Okehampton RFC

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