OKEHAMPTON Rugby Football Club has just completed its 125th year since it was first formed in 1884. The club's annual meeting, held earlier this month at the clubhouse, also saw an historic occasion when Angela Pengelly was elected as the first female president of the club.

Angela said: 'I am honoured and feel privileged to be president and more so the first lady president of this historic club. I am looking forward to my two years in office and to working with the committee to take the club forward.

I would like to wish all the teams from the first XV to the juniors a very successful year, building on the success of the past season. We are hoping to organize a few more social functions to raise much needed funds for the club and I hope these will be well supported by players and club members alike.'

During its 125th year, the club held several successful celebratory functions such as the 'past players lunch' when players from several generations past mingled with the current teams. This event was also attended by the then Mayor of Okehampton, Councillor David Weekes.

The 125th season saw success for teams at all levels throughout the club, from the U7s tag team players right up to the first XV in the Western Counties League. The First XV, promoted the previous season, consolidated its position in the Western Counties and finished a highly creditable fift. The second XV finished fourth in Devon Merit table one, the third XV achieved promotion from Devon Merit three to two. The Colts came second in their league and reached the semi finals of the Devon Cup. The club were also winners of the Devon Intermediate Cup, beating Crediton RFC in the May Cup Final. This all serves to promise a good standard of rugby at all levels for the coming season at the club's Oaklands ground.

Training for the coming season has already started for the senior teams and players should contact the coaches and team mangers for details of venues.

The Western Counties League has been strengthened this year with the inclusion of an additional four clubs which means that there will be 26 league games rather than the 22 of last season. The first league matches take place on Saturday, September 4 with the First XV at home to North Petherton. There will be a Harvest Lunch prepared by the club ladies prior to these games, tickets will be on sale prior to the event. The Colts play a touring side from Lord Wadsworth School on the evening of Thursday, September 2.