Merit table

Okehampton seconds 8

Crediton 5

FOLLOWING two narrow defeats on the road against Cullompton and Newton Abbot, the Okehampton second string were looking to establish some balance against local rivals Crediton at Okelands.

The game lived up to every expectation with a totally committed encounter between two sides that meant business.

With the visitors having the advantage of wind, mist and slope in the first half, Okehampton found themselves putting defensive drills to good use as most of the first 20 minutes were spent on the back foot yet every inch of territory gained by the visitors was hard earnt against a stoic home defense.

Scrum time was proving difficult with the visitors having the upper hand yet some cute channelling from Stu Benney and Drake in the row combined with some great awareness at the base from number eight Pete Gillard allowed scrum half Barry Down to keep his back line in action. On 20 minutes Crediton eventually scored with the conversion missed to a 5-0 lead.

From the restart Okehampton set to dominate the rest of the half. Some great pick and go play – admirably suited to the conditions – proved highly productive but it was a case of equally committed attack verses equally committed defence. Although there were opportunities, rushed snatches with errors and some well structure defence meant the Crediton line remained intact despite intense pressure until half time.

With slope mist, wind and mud advantage Okehampton began the second half with great intent and in less than 10 minutes Buzz Brimacombe kicked a three pointer penalty.

Okehampton were now in ascendancy and were using the conditions to advantage. Half backs Barry Down and Sam Ewens were mobilising the back line to effect with Stu Down showing as stand out and Buzz gaining hard yards in typical style at every opportunity.

Down field kicks were being well chased and marshalled by wings Paddy Moyes and Sam Vincent and with the visitors consistently on the back foot, persistent pressure eventually got its reward when the ever consistent Steve Gove bullocked his way over for a well deserved try to put Oke into the lead for the first time.

The remainder of the second half was a no quarter asked for or given affair with two committed sides giving it their best. Despite intense pressure from the boys from the Blagdon, the Oke defence – at times stretched to the limits – held firm to hold out for a 8-5 win.

This was a game that exemplifies Merit Table rugby at it's best between two sides that would not give an inch and held in the best spirits of the game. It was a satisfying result for the Okes that consolidates their position in a competitive Merit Table.