Only a few years ago the very thought of this fixture, let alone an Oke victory, was an extremely unlikely scenario.However, Okes recent promotion combined with successive relegations for the Cornish All Blacks has resulted in this long yearned for derby appearing on the fixture lists once more.

A sizeable crowd had gathered on the Oke's temporary back pitch home as the game kicked off under an initial drizzle. The hosts, minus injured player coach Martin Harrison-Browne, played down the slope first up and soon had the bit between their teeth as they looked to build an early lead. Despite conceding numerous penalties during the initial forays, Oke were on the front foot and created their first scoring chance after just eight minutes. Unfortunately the last pass went to ground rather than hand, but early signs already indicated an Okehampton superiority out wide which was to be increasingly significant as the half progressed. The Okes were also in the ascendancy at the set scrum with their front row all having fine matches, George Trerise and Ian Langbridge relishing the opportunity to put one over on their ex team mates. It wasn't a long wait for the opening score for the home fans though, as with just twelve minutes on the clock the Okes backline finished off more forward dominance to make it an early 7-0 scoreline. The ball was shifted right inside the visitors twenty two where centre Rhys Palmer straightened the line nicely, using power and pace to force his way over midway out on the right. Richie Friend added a fine conversion to give the Okes the perfect start.

The visitors were struggling to gain any significant possession or territory in the opening quarter and the Okes were utilising the clean lineout ball, with George Trerises' arrows on the money, effectively. Yet more quick ball allowed the Oke backs to cut loose again in the sixteenth minute. Once more it was that man Palmer who was the instigator with another clean break in midfield before finding Gareth Espin in support on the outside, his midfield partner diving over for the Oke's second five pointer. Friend's second successful conversion making it a 14-0 lead. Okes' fine start continued as they applied more pressure , securing an attacking lineout on the on the All black's twenty two meter line. The Oke backline needed no second invitation when another gap appeared in the wide channels, this time it was winger Ryan Lee who was the beneficiary of decent hands to scorch over in the bottom left corner. The difficult conversion slipped by the posts, but at 19-0 after less than 25 minutes, the hosts couldn't have wished for a better half... so far. Okehampton's propensity to concede penalties was at this point the visitors only lifeline. After several consecutive awards the Cornishmen finally made their way into the Oke red zone, they battered away around the fringes and playing a penalty advantage they finally found a chink in the Oke defensive line to open their account and reduce the deficit. Dan Pearce added the simple extras making it 19-7 after 32 minutes.

There was still plenty of incident in what remained of an action packed first forty. Firstly Okes thought they had grounded a fourth try after a kick ahead but the ref decided otherwise, then right on half time the home side forced series of five meter scrums. Dominant, with the slope aiding their cause, the Oke eight forced the visitors pack to concede consecutive penalties. Eventually the ref's patience wore out and on the the third offence a penalty try was the result. So it was 26-7 and a try bonus point in the bag after an excellent first half from the Okes.

This was definitely a game of two halves though and with the slope in their favour the visitors came out reinvigorated during the second half. Okes went on the defensive slightly and spent long periods in their own half and without the ball. The third quarter saw Oke's forced to defend several close range lineouts and having to provide stern midfield defence to prevent another visiting score.The clock had reached 53 minutes when eventually the dam broke and the visitors had a chance to get back into the contest. Another penalty was conceded and this time visiting centre Ryan Westren was alert enough to tap and go to force his way over. Pearce was again on the mark from the tee and it was now a 26-14 ballgame. The Okes needed to respond and good counter attacking from deep by impressive full back Kieran Lee saw the Okes back on the offensive, but it was short lived as a handling error and subsequent turnover allowed the all Blacks to regain attacking field position.

The match entered the last fifteen minutes and the visitors continued to press, despite a yellow card awarded to their replacement winger. A high tackle by the hosts allowed Pearce to narrow the gap to nine points and the visiting supporters hopes of a miraculous comeback were still alive. All home replacements were now on the field and Okes were remaining resolute in defence as the time ticked away. Barely two minutes remained when Oke unwisely tried to run the ball out of defence from deep in their twenty two and conceded yet another penalty as a result. The visitors still needed two scores and opted for posts to gain a losing bonus point. Pearce potted the goal and ensured a nervous last restart for the Okes. The host regained the ball but conceded yet another penalty, however the decision was reversed and the Okes gleefully booted the ball off to seal a memorable victory.

Both sides deserve credit for a full blooded encounter in what will hopefully be the first of many memorable encounters between the two sides over the coming seasons. A valuable five point win for the Okes, and a boost for the side who know have a well deserved week off before travelling to Matson in a fortnight's time. The Okes will need to extend their fine first half performance into a full eighty minute one to bring home another victory.

Okehampton RFC

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