Western Counties West

Wadebridge 5

Okehampotn 9

THIS was not a feast for the eyes, but at this stage of the season its all about the win for the Okes.

Pitching up for their second game in five days, Okehampton knew this would be a tough ask, at a ground where its notoriously difficult to emerge with a victory. The Camels are not safe from relegation and gave the Okes a stern examination.

A gusting breeze blew down the slight slope at Molesworth Field and the Okes choose to play against it first up.

The visitors started with gusto and as the home side dropped off early tackles the signs looked good for an open game. Scrum half Gary Sizmur, deputising for the injured Joey Bruce, slotted an early penalty to reward Oke’s bright start. It was clear, even at this early stage, that both sides would look to attack through their forwards and the match became a real  war off attrition as a result. Oke gave away too many penalties , which allowed Wadebridge good attacking positions which forced Oke to demonstrate a strong defensive resolve throughout.

After 17 minutes the Camels punished the Oke indiscipline after setting up camp near the visitors’ try line. After several forward thrusts, home number eight Grubb forced his way over for the game’s solitary try. The conversion was badly snatched from almost in front though and Oke trailed just 5-3.  Less than four minutes later, Oke regained the lead after another home breakdown offence allowed Gary Sizmur to pot his second penalty.

The rest of the half was fairly uneventful as Oke’s scrum was its usual dominant self, but there was a lack of creative spark outside, and as a result chances were at a premium. In fact, despite defences being on top , the Camels came closest to scoring before the break as they spilled the ball while reaching for the try line, then also missed a difficult penalty chance right on the interval.

Oke had the wind and slope in their favour in the second half and had hopes their one point lead would soon be extended. However, the match failed to raise to any great heights, despite Okes bringing on player coach Gareth Evans who went close with an early blindside charge.

The defensive hits kept on coming, but both sides struggled to bring any discernible width to their game. Okes scrum grew increasingly dominant and a penalty arrived midway through the half , 20 metres out, directly in front. Oke strangely chose not to kick for goal but elected to scrummage. The ball came loose and the chance was gone. Then shortly after, another penalty chance arose, this time twice as far out, and Oke chose to take on the kick, which unsurprisingly fell short.

Home prop Bilkey finally saw yellow as belatedly the referee’s patience at scrum time ran out. Oke then finally produced a good passage of play as number eight Tom McGratton, who along with back row partner Liam Sampson, made most yards in attack, broke blind and the play was carried on by the impressive Pat Nash before eventfully breaking down several phases later.

Oke were then awarded another penalty and Sizmur obliged with his third penalty goal. Despite only being a four point lead, the way the game had gone, another try looked unlikely. Actually Okes had the upper hand in the time that remained but were unable to extend their lead. When the final whistle went, both players and supporters alike were just glad to get this potential banana skin out of the way as the  packed fixture list continues.