Devon Cup/Merit table

Okehampton Colts 20

Exeter Chiefs Colts 12

THIS was a massive game for the Okes in their quest for a place in the Devon Cup final, played as a double-header with a possible ten points at stake.

The Okes started brightly, playing down the hill and took the lead as early as the third minute when they won a scrum against the head deep in Chiefs' territory.

The ball was spun quickly to Lewis Taylor on his return from first team duties and once he straightened his line, there was only one outcome. Jack Davey was awry with the extras but Oke had the lead. Three minutes later and the visitors restored parity. A penalty was conceded by the hosts and Exeter chose to kick for touch. Their initial catch and drive was stopped but another kick to touch and catch and drive was successful.

Lewis Taylor nearly capitalised on a dropped ball in midfield but the bounce of the ball was not kind to him as he hacked through and the moment passed.

Halfway through the half the home side regained the lead when a good break from Brad Curtis following a loose Exe lineout took him deep into the visitors' half and after several phases, quick ball through the hands released Rhys Palmer to score wide out. The conversion was missed.

After half an hour Oke increased their lead. They were awarded a penalty on halfway following a no arms tackle that saw the visiting number six receive a ten-minute rest; Oke kicked for the corner. Secure lineout ball enabled quick distribution and following a miss-pass, Taylor offloaded to Brandon Horn to score an unconverted try.

Okehampton missed a bonus point try on the stroke of half-time and a double missed pass saw them close down their own space and allow Exeter the chance to cover. So halftime came with the score 15-5.

The Chiefs started the second period brightly, pressurising the home defence. Eventually they were rewarded with a penalty on the 5m line but they failed to capitalise. The respite was not for long though, as from the resulting lineout, the Chiefs embarked on a catch and drive that took them deep in to the Okes' 22. Following another kick to touch the Chiefs scored their deserved points after another clinical catch and drive. Oke showed great character in combating this onslaught and secured good ball and territory during the next passage of play but errors were costing them any concerted pressure.

With 15 minutes remaining Oke secured the try bonus point with a great forwards try. Number eight and skipper Ryan Gross made the initial break from a tapped penalty as he broke three tackles to take play deep into the Chiefs' 22; following a ruck, Gross picked and went again before Brad Curtis continued the move in bullocking fashion and after driving over the line, it was Spud that came up with the ball. Brandon Horn missed the extras but the Okes had increaded their lead. A Chiefs' assault was then quelled by stout Okes .

This was probably an expected result but with double points on offer the Chiefs sent down their strongest possible side.

However, the young Okes fought and battled their way to a precious victory in the quest for their Holy Grail – Sandy Park.