THE now traditional rugby match between an Okehampton Club XV and an Exiles XV took place at Okehampton RFC on Boxing Day.

Thirty or so players and a referee took part in a game. The Club XV was organised by Ian Langbridge while Sam Ewen got a group of Oke Exiles together. Between them they put on a fine display of rugby in the best Barbarian’s traditions. The game, sympathetically refereed by Charlie Ewen, took place on a fine day in front of a large crowd of supporters, made up of club members and visitors.

The players gave no quarter in a full-on game with many good scores from both sides. The open style of play was entertaining for the supporters and resulted in some great moves. The final score was Club XV 42 Exiles 26 — or thereabouts — but the real winner was Okehampton RFC and rugby.

Dave Potter, on behalf of the club, said: ‘Our thanks go to Ian and Sam for their efforts in getting the teams together. It’s good to know that when our players move away to university or to work, they do not forget their home club. The Boxing Day celebrations went on in the clubhouse all afternoon and into the evening. What a great day for the club!’