Fishermen’s League Shield

Teignmouth 19

Okehampton 53

WITH a strong breeze at their backs Okehampton kicked off in this Fisherman’s League Shield game and within a couple of minutes got themselves into a good position close to the home side’s line. A few good phases saw them win a penalty from which Tom Stevens collected the ball to dive over for an early score, well converted by George Dickinson.

Teignmouth hit back almost immediately with a well-worked attack that gave their number 10 the opportunity to break through to score under the posts. The conversions went over and it was all level again. Oke’s next offensive came from a full back George Harding, who gathered a clearance kick to run the ball back deep into Teignmouth territory. Oke won a scrum that Teignmouth almost spoiled, but thanks to a great pop pass from Dan Turney, Tom S was able to crash through and score his second. George D converted.

Oke’s next try came from the restart and was a beauty. Brad Simmons caught the ball and carried well before linking with Noah Cracknell, who drove to gain more ground. Quick ball came to Ewan who passed to Tom S who delivered George D a well-timed pass from which he raced across the line to make the score 7-19.

With their tails up, The Okes attacked again, and another superb run from George H allowed Will Risdon to pick up from the ruck and dive over for his first try of the season. George D converted.

Teignmouth continued to hassle but the visitors’ defence held firm.

The second half got off to the perfect start for the visitors. An attack started with well-secured ball from The Okes’ forwards, followed by a powerful run from one 22 to the other by Tom S. Ethan Baker carried for another 10 yards before Brad S picked up the ball and punched through the home defence. A maul developed and the Okes bulldozed themselves closer to the line before Brad S peeled off, slipping tackles and scoring a great try to cap off a superb bit of rugby. George D converted to lead 36-7.

A few minutes later Okehampton scored again, with George D crossing after another concerted team effort. Teignmouth, however, did not roll over and scored a well-deserved try after some concerted pressure that eventually broke down the Okehampton defence. Their number 10 kicked a lovely conversion for 14-36.

Oke hit back with another score from Tom S for his hat trick, and an excellent forward’s try from Will for 14-46.

Teignmouth, however, refused to capitulate and scored again but the last word went to player of the match George H — his blistering, elusive run from the half way line resulting in a score that sealed the match. George D converted with the last kick of the game.

This was a real team effort with everyone contributing and playing some excellent rugby to preserve Oke’s 100 per cent record in the league. All credit to Teignmouth for battling to the end.