Minus four centres the Okey backline was again hugely disrupted. At times the Okes still looked like they may snatch an unlikely win, but the hosts had just enough to take the win.
The visitors began brightly enough and took the lead after a decent opening spell. Mike Stevens soon in for his second first team try up the right wing, after the ball was shipped from a five meter scrum. The conversion was missed but Okes looked comfortable at this point. They continued to play solid rugby and looked set to extend their lead, before a needless intercept allowed the home side in for their first score.
Home confidence grew as a result and errors crept into Okes play. Players began to get isolated and were now slipping off tackles.The hosts took full advantage as they crossed twice more and also added a penalty, punishing Oke errors to take a 24-5 lead late in the half.
Finally Okes got back on the front foot. Sonny Luxton was carrying strongly and the hosts lost a man to the bin as they came under increased pressure. Oke took advantage with a penalty try from a five meter scrum, swiftly followed by a close range score from prolific prop Callum Arnold. It was now 24-17 and game on as the half time whistle arrived .
Oke started the second half strongly but failed to capitalise from a five meter scrum, before more injuries arrived and the home side, now back to full contingent, defended strongly. Two penalties from the home fullback soon extended their lead to 13 points .
Oke replacement Nathan Tomkins, on briefly before he also got injured, stepped nicely to go over from short range to bring a try bonus point and make it a 6 point game after a Luke Simmons conversion. However in the time remaining the home side held firm and the depleted visitors were unable to score again.
So two points for the Okes and with no chance or promotion or relegation , the season is drifting along and in need of a bit of a boost. More players are getting valuable experience though and the Okes will hope for the return of at least some of their absentees over the coming weeks. 'Come On You Okes!'