Western Counties West

Saltash 0

Okehampton 68

OKEHAMPTON RFC first XV travelled to Saltash to round off their magnificent season with an emphatic five-point win that sees the club top the Western Counties (West) League and gain promotion to the South West on league, a feat last achieved 20 Counties years ago.

The win sees the club leapfrog Kingsbridge, who had led the table for a large part of the season, to take the title. Kingsbridge now have to face a play-off game against Keynsham RFC of the Western Counties (North) league for the second promotion spot on May 7.

The Saltash side, already relegated from the league, played their part in an open running game, playing in good dry conditions. Despite not being able to score they kept the Okehampton side penned back in their own half for long periods during the game. The Okehampton tries mainly came from moves initiated inside their own half, attacking out of defence. It was that strong defence that prevented Saltash from crossing the line as they threatened to do on a good number of occasions.

The Okes opened the scoring when No 8 Tom McGrattan went over for a try near the posts, followed a few minutes later by scrum half Noah Nash, who obviously enjoyed the space he was given to work in.

Later in the first half, flanker Dean Abrams, winger Ryan Lee and finally lock Neil Perrott went over for tries with centre and captain Tom Powell slotting four conversions, to make the half time score a comfortable 33 points to nil for the visitors.

In the second half, influential Tom McGrattan scored twice to round off a great hat trick of tries. One of these was from a trademark drive by the pack from a scrum which saw the Saltash pack pushed back over their own line. Winger Lee and flanker Abrams both scored again to take a brace apiece.

One of the highlights was when prop Nick Martin dived over the line for a rare try by the front row strong man. Powell added all five second-half tries to complete the scoring at a magnificent 68 points and a great win to round off the season.

The players celebrated with champagne after the match in the traditional fashion and the celebrations continued far into the night.

Commiserations to Saltash on being relegated after only one season and thanks to them for their hospitality on the day. The club took a coach and minibus to Saltash, with more supporters travelling than for any other game this season. Here’s hoping that that level of support will continue in the higher league!

Other good news for the club concerns groundsman Dave Stevens. Dave was nominated for an RFU National Award. The award is for a huge contribution to the club as a volunteer. Dave will be going to Twickenham on May 29 for the National Cup Final matches to receive the award. Congratulations to Dave.

The Okehampton Junior section rounded off their season over the weekend in great style with visiting touring teams coming to the club. The Juniors had been badly affected by the bad weather during the Winter and it was great to see them enjoying some fine conditions over this final weekend.

On Sunday the Okehampton U15 team played Ampthill. The visitors are this seasons county champions in their home county of Bedfordshire and recorded a win against the home team by 19-12. The difference was an interception try following a loose pass by the Oke team.

This rounds off a great end of season weekend for the club and what, despite the weather problems mid-season, has been a highly successful year.

The club is now looking forward to work to improve the drainage on the back pitch to be started very soon, hopefully to improve playing conditions for next season. The next club event is planned for May 28 when the club presentation dinner will be held.