Oke may have plenty of injuries, and their mind may not have fully been on the cup, however this results was not expected and the performance was way below the standards expected by coaches, players and fans alike. Apart from the first ten minutes, and a five minute spell just before the end, Oke completely failed to turn up and came off a poor second best against a rejuvenated Ivybridge side who simply looked like they wanted it more. The only plus points for the visitors were the experience gained by some squad players, and the début of new signing Jack Elliott who showed up well after along spell out of the game.

Oke's front row was disrupted and their usual scrum dominance was nowhere to be seen, although they did start with some promise. Unfortunately they missed a penalty from virtually in front of the posts, and butchered several overlaps in their best spell of pressure. Ivybridge soaked it up and then hit on the counter attack to gain two penalties which were successfully dispatched by centre Adam Bradley.

Oke were making far too many handling errors in decent conditions, and the penalty count was an increasing one. They compounded errors and gave away a decent attacking position as a result. They then lost their own line out ball on their own five yard line, and after several phases a loose pass was gathered by Ivybridge to cross under the posts. Converted by Bradley the score was 13-0 and Oke needed to score next. They failed to do so as they contrived to let home full back Scoles run in unopposed own the left touchline, without a finger laid on him despite what appeared to be plenty of defensive cover. Bradley again converted from in front.

Things got worse just before the break as a penalty was awarded to the hosts. With a shot to nothing, fly half Luke Mantell, who used his left boot well all afternoon, potted a drop gaol from distance.

Oke went into the break shell shocked and hoping for a comeback second half performance, the like of which they have had to produce on too many occasions lately. This time though, the comeback never looked likely. More changes were introduced from the bench as the team was shuffled in an effort to raise it from it's slumbers. Ivybridge were still in command however, and they scored far too easily from a rolling maul that Oke seemed unable to stop as it paraded over the whitewash to take the scorer to 28-0.

Shortly after this score, Oke prop Nicky Martin saw yellow to make matters even worse and another forward rumble stretched the lead to 35-0. Ivybridge's back row were soaking up Okes predictable back play with ease, and the visitors seemed bereft of attacking ideas. Finally they did mange to keep the ball through several phases, which created a rare opening. Continuity had been absent prior to this point, as dropped passes, and penalty offences stopped any momentum gained. Full back Andrew Brimmacombe finished off the move out wide for what was a mere consolation score. In fact Ivy still managed a final try as full back Scoles hacked on yet another Oke dropped pass to score in the dying seconds.

In truth , Oke have been winning without playing near their usual levels for some weeks. The injuries and non-availabilities finally took their toll this week against an opponent in form. Oke will need to put this bad result behind them, and raise all aspects of their play for their game for the league match away at Exeter Saracens, next Saturday KO 2.30 pm.

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