TUSSLES between these two are usually close affairs, and on this particularly wet Saturday afternoon another fiercely contested battle ensued.

This top versus third battle lived up to the tight contest expected but the rain put paid to the hoped for high scoring, open encounter. Conditions underfoot were again excellent on the Okes new surface, however, above ground was a different story as rain aplenty abounded. Both these sides usually look to play a fast open game but were restricted by the elements. However, hosts and visitors tried to play whenever possible, sometimes when a more pragmatic approach may have reaped greater rewards.

Backed by a large home gathering courtesy of the vice president, volunteers and ex-players lunch, the Okes kicked off up the slope. Both sides were missing a few regulars, but it was the visitors who applied early pressure, often courtesy of well placed kicks from number nine Dean. An Okes kick was charged down on the home side’s tryline, fortunately for the Okes the kick went dead though and the home side were able to restart via a 22 yard line drop out.

Newent were to prove a tough adversary throughout and they made their early ascendancy pay when they opened the scoring just minutes later. Sloppy Okes’ defence, combined with an outside arching break from the visitors number ten, was the catalyst. A few phases later the visitors had ploughed over to the right of the uprights to take a deserved lead. The conversion was good and the Okes found themselves seven points down.

The rain continued to pour and unsurprisingly a few balls were spilt before the Okes finally began to settle. They were soon rewarded for some excellent width with a penalty bang in front of the posts at the clubhouse end. Kieran Lee slotted the penalty to reduce the margin to four points with a quarter of an hour gone.

Play was fiercely contested for the next ten minute spell, as both sides strove for a telling breakthrough. Okes were forced to dig on more defensive resolve before escaping the confines of their 22, eventually taking play to their ten yard line. Newent had plenty of numbers but a timely pass from full back Gareth Espin gave Kieran Lee a slither of space up the right flank; the wingman made it pay as he set off at pace before cutting nicely infield offloading to centre Rhys Palmer racing up on his inside who sped over for the host’s first five pointer of the afternoon. The extras were not forthcoming but the Okes were in front by a point.

Handling errors and turnovers were abundant during the rest of the second quarter, until the visitors regained their advantage with their second try as the interval approached. Just outside the Okes’ twenty two visiting number eight Phelps did well with retreating ball but as he went blind the Okes failed to defend efficiently and a relatively soft try was the result. This time the conversion drifted wide but the Okes found themselves trailing 12-8 with a couple of minutes remaining in the first forty.

Replacements Joe Mawle and Buster Francis entered the fray in the second half and were soon in the thick of it as the Okes had the better of both early territory and possession. However, a reluctance to use the boot given the conditions allowed the Newent defence to function effectively and prevent an early home score.

The Okes applied pressure as the clock ticked onto the 56th minute mark. Rob Dugard and Pat Nash returned to the action as the Okes battered away gaining an attacking five metre scrum chance. Scrum penalties were forced. Dugard was then adjudged to be held up over the line, as the crucial score continued to prove elusive for the boys in maroon and amber. Newent then lost a man to injury, after he bravely tackled a full pelt Bevon Armitage as the Okes continued to pile on the pressure. More home scrums and resultant rucks on the Newent try line ensued, before the dam was finally breached in the 67th minute. Several pick and goes were rebuffed, before lock Sam Turner eventually forced his way over to regain the lead. A fitting reward for another excellent, selfless performance from the Oke’s second rower. Kieran Lee potted the simple extras and the Okes were finally back in front at 15-12.

The determined visiting side forced several close range lineouts in the last ten minutes. The Okes’ defence held firm throughout this tense period as they sought a crucial home victory. Newent continued to monopolise the ball as the Okes occasionally managed a relieving boot with time ticking away. Nerves were still frayed as the match entered its last throes but it was Oke who secured four points after a well contested hard fought encounter.

Newent demonstrated throughout why they are one of the better sides in this league and both outfits deserve full credit for their sterling efforts given the conditions.

The Okes were not at their best but still secured a vital four points in their continued quest  for promotion.