Its been a tough start for the maroon & ambers. No points to show yet for their endeavors, but increasing signs of improvement. Fresh injuries were collected last week, but this was offset by the return of others from injury and unavailability. So it was with increased ambition that the hosts kicked off down the slope, against their second set of visitors from Weston already this campaign.

Okes looked for a fast start and got it... their first try arriving after barely a minutes play. Okes turned over Weston possession in midfield and the ball was swiftly moved right. A sweet pass off his left hand from hooker Ashlee Crouch created space, and one pass later outside centre Brandon Horn was put in the clear for a run in down the right flank. Dan Fogerty slotted the tricky extras and at 7-0 Okes were up and running.

Both sides were then guilty of missing penalty chances before Okes early impetus was rewarded with their second five pointer. An Okes lineout success on the visitors twenty two was followed by a couple of useful forward drives. The ball was then shipped left through the backline, finally reaching full back Gareth Espin. Deep in the visitors twenty two, he looked outside before straightening and crossing for the Oke's second score of an impressive first quarter. The conversion was off target, but the home side were now firmly on the front foot. Man of the match Saul Holliday, in his first season of senior rugby, was putting in a great shift at Number 8. He appeared to have carved through for Okes third score on 23 minutes, only to be called back for a tight forward pass decision.

Despite their bright start, Okes needed to extend their lead whilst in the ascendancy. This didn't materialise though as Weston increasingly grew into the game, aided by a few Okes errors and lineout fails. The home side defended well however, and kept the visitors out until right on the interval, when their pressure was rewarded with a simple penalty goal. So at 12-3 at the changeover, Okes would've had mixed feelings. Delighted by their start but frustrated that they hadn't put more points on the board whilst in the ascendancy.

The second forty commenced and in a reversal of the first half it was the Okes who conceded an early score. On several occasions throughout the second half Okes failed to get support quickly enough to the ball carrier and were penalised as a result. On this occasion the pen was pumped into the corner and from the lineout Okes were powerless to prevent the visitors reducing the deficit to four points after an unsuccessful conversion. The game was now on and Weston continued to dominate the third quarter as Okes became increasingly passive in defence and struggled to glean much possession. It came as no real surprise then when the visitors were next on the scoreboard. Another Okes offence brought a penalty in the home twenty two which was taken quickly. The Oke defence was caught napping as the visitors nine forced his way over far too easily. Beside the uprights, the conversion was a formality and now trailing 12-15, Okes needed to respond, and quickly.

On as a replacement, the returning Liam Sampson was imposing himself with many impressive carries. This allowed Okes to gain a foothold as the match approached its conclusion. Time was ticking away and it looked like, as against Hornets, Okes would relinquish a lead and suffer defeat. However the young Okes came one last time, showing guts and resilience aplenty they kept possession well, and drove upfield, forcing a valuable penalty and a yellow for the offender. The ball was kicked into clubhouse corner and the Okes had one last chance to force a score. The throw was good and the Okes powered forward. The visitors illegally sacked the maul and the man in the middle had no hesitation in awarding a penalty try. The crowd erupted but everyone knew there was still time as a result of injuries that had to be managed. Despite a nervy restart knock on, the Okes pilfered a valuable turnover to relieve the pressure. They then kept the ball effectively to see out time, before kicking the ball off to seal a very welcome first win of the season.

Okes know they are a side in transition, but this result will give the whole club a boost. The team are improving each week and will be looking forward excitedly to an always competitive local derby next weekend,as Launceston visit for whats sure to be cracker. Don't miss out..KO is 3 PM and your support would be greatly appreciated...'Come On You Okes!'

Okehampton RFC

Match details

Match date

Kickoff

Location

Competition

League position

Team Sponsors

Login