The uni lads sat in second place with just one defeat against league leaders Hornets this campaign. They played up the slope and into a slight breeze first up. Conditions were dark, dank and drizzly. Difficult for two sides who would prefer to move the ball wide. Okes started with vigorous intent, particularly in defence. The hosts early ferocity was rewarded with a penalty after 4 minutes which skipper Dan Fogerty potted for an early three point lead.

Uni then began to monopolise possession and although Okes did enter the visitors twenty two twice, both were foiled by a misfiring lineout. Okes held firm for long periods with returning centre Richie Friend showing no signs of rust, with a combative performance in defence and attack. Just when it seemed Okes would take a narrow lead into the break, the students struck. Effervescent Okes flanker Ollie Francis saw yellow for one infringement too many, before a penalty was put in the corner and the resultant catch and drive proved unstoppable. As a result the visitors took a 7-3 lead into the warmth of the changing rooms.

The second forty began as an almost mirror image of the first. An early Okes foray brought forth another kickable penalty and once more Fogerty obliged to reduce the arrears to one point. Okes began to sniff an upset, their hopes boosted further when the alumni's eight saw yellow. Then the crucial turning point of this engrossing contest arrived arrived . Okes had another penalty chance, but uphill and breeze against, it was on the cusp of the captain's range. Posts were elected. The kick dropped short and uni typically countered from the shadow of their own uprights. One hefty boot later and the ball had found touch in the Okes twenty two for a vital 50-20. Yet again the students lineout was accurate and a few phases later they were over the whitewash for what was almost a eight point swing after the conversion went awry. A cruel blow for the Okes, which was compounded just four minutes later when, for the first time in the match, the Okes midfield defence allowed a gap which was pounced on by the Uni centre who cantered in under the posts to virtually seal the match.

Now 19-6 behind, Okes kept battling gamely and finally began to string some attacking phases together as the match ticked into its last minute. Their never say die attitude rewarded when skipper Fogerty gave the scoring pass to replacement winger Rob Fishleigh, who crossed wide left and managed to gain a coupe yards infield to aide the conversion attempt. Fogerty's kick was wide though, and Okes were denied a bonus point which was the least their performance merited.

So a defeat, but one that brought forth positives aplenty. The Okes heart desire and commitment was never in doubt. However they couldn't secure enough possession to allow their backs the chance to fully test the uni defence. Going toe to toe, and stretching the division's elite will stand the young Okes in good stead moving forward though. Another tough test lies in wait on the Weston plastic next week as the maroon and ambers travel to take on unbeaten league leaders Hornet. KO 2.30 PM... 'Come On You Okes!
'

Okehampton RFC

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