Okehampton XV 14

ORFC Exiles XV 10

ONE of rugby's traditions returned to Oaklands on Boxing Day with a game between an ORFC XV and an ORFC Exiles XV.

The Exiles team was put together following some extensive 'networking' with a number of players who now play at other clubs and others who work out of the area or on the Christmas break from universities.

The team included five players currently playing at Launceston RFC , two with Newton Abbot, two with North Tawton RFC and one with Winchester RFC and others from a variety of universities and local clubs.

The host's team consisted of a mixture of first, seconds and senior colts players.

In front of an large crowd both teams put on an excellent performance in atrocious conditions with the ball being run at every opportunity. With nearly all of the players products of ORFC and the clubs youth and colts' sections there was plenty of rivalry for the bragging rights.

The host side ran out winners by a narrow margin but the real winner was the occasion with current and old friendships renewed with the large crowd appreciative of the sterling efforts exhibited on the pitch. After the game the players enjoyed a post match lunch and joined the large crowd in some seasonal beverage.

Boxing Day fixtures used to be a regular feature but this tradition has sadly fell by the wayside in recent years at the club.

The success of this event saw a welcome return of this tradition to ORFC which proved to be an excellent and appropriate seasonal club and family day certainly worthy of repeat next year and years to come.

The club thanked Charlie Ewen for refereeing the game and to George Trerise for his help in contacting many of the Exile players.