The hosts will be rueing missed opportunities and indiscipline which ultimately proved costly. Injuries to the home backs added to a huge penalty count didn't help the home cause either. It all looked promising after the home side came out of the blocks on the front foot. An early score after three minutes from Karl Pearce after fine build up play gave Okes a 7-0 lead with a Luke Simmons conversion.
The home forwards made impressive ground alll half but Oke blew too many scoring opportunities and coughed up penalties at crucial times. Crediton grew into the contest and when they did finally get possession they made it count.They levelled with a try after 27 mins, and it was ex Oke Kevin Dennis who scored to rub salt into home wounds.
A contentious lineout decision then went against the hosts and Crediton profited with a close range score to make it 12-7 with the slope in their favour. Defences were generally on top throughout and Oke failed to take their chances as the interval arrived.
The slope now in their favour Okes would’ve hoped to push on. They made it 12-10 with another Simmons penalty but that was as close as they got. Injuries to Brandon Horn and Rhys Palmer forced a reshuffle and Okes began to run out of attacking ideas. They became unusually predictable and the visitors defence was up to the job.
As the Okes forced things they increasingly fell foul of the ref and as result Crediton landed two penalties to make it 18-10. Simmons slotted in reply, before the home side conceded yet another kickable penalty to make it 21-13 with time running out, Crediton managed the time remaining effectively and Oke couldn't force another score.
The visitors sealing the victory to avenge their defeat in the reverse fixture, taking the Frank Webb cup by a single point on aggregate. This defeat now makes it very tight in the race to finish runners up to champions elect Topsham.
Okes need to regroup but a defeat may actually be a good reminder that you can't play well every week, whilst hard work is needed to get back on the winning trail next week away at Cullompton.
''Come On you Okes!'