1sts- Snatch priceless victory at the death...

Okes were on a terrible run of form and the visiting All Blacks on a fine steak that kept them in contention toward the top of the table, whilst the hosts needed points as they have become embroiled in a struggle near the bottom. A large crowd gathered and early exchanges saw Launceston start with gusto and force the hosts onto the back foot. Set piece signs were not healthy throughout the first forty for the home side, as they failed to win a  single line out and went backwards at the majority of scrummages. 

The visitors scored two first quarter tries with the slight slope in their favour. Both set up and scored through their dominant forward pack. In contrast Okes were living off tiny morsels of possession, but did punctuate the visitors scoring with a try of their own. On a rare attacking foray centre Rhys Palmer, in an excellent all round performance, cut a sharp line to scythe through under the posts for a try converted by Luke Simmons. The Okes out half also added a penalty to complete the maroon and amber's first half points tally. The visitors pulled away during the second quarter with another try and two penalties to lead 23-10 at the interval. How the margin wasn't wider was down to several factors, but the Okes deserve some credit for hanging in the contest as it was appearing to slip away, whilst the visitors will be regretting squandered opportunities and failure to capitalise whilst in the ascendancy.

As the sides returned for the second forty, Okes had the conundrum of how to secure enough ball to get back into the contest. An early penalty from Launceston stand off Coles extended the lead and then suddenly Okes sprung into life. An increased urgency and determination arose and a willingness to keep the ball alive reaped rewards. Possession mounted and when Palmer was set free down the short, stand side he found Matt Dennis, as ever running an excellent support line, on his inside and the Okes winger ran around under the posts. Simmons added the two and home belief was growing. Doubt was creeping into the visiting minds and their worries compounded soon after when Okes struck again. Great phase play eventually saw Saul Holliday break through before feeding Richie Friend, now on as a replacement, in support. The Okes back rower was hauled down just short but all momentum was being maintained. The ball eventually being recycled and moved wide right where Karl Pearce was lurking. Providing memories of his previous incarnation as a sizeable winger, he stepped inside to cross and reduce the lead to two points after Simmons landed another successful conversion.

The match was now a real cracker with both sides giving it all they had. Soon after the metronomic Simmons landed another penalty to amazingly give the Okes the lead, in a match that earlier only appeared to ever be heading in the opposite direction. Now with a man in the bin, Launceston had to come again and this they did. A long range penalty on halfway from  Simmons struck the crossbar. No real follow up allowed the visitors to counter and Rhys Palmer then saw yellow for a high tackle, trying to prevent the breakout. Pressure now ramped up on the hosts as the visiting pack was restored to a full eight they camped near Okes line through several close range line outs and scrums. Somehow Okes held out as they refused to yield. Penalty after penalty arose and eventually the Blacks settled for a pot at the posts to regain the lead with barely any time remaining. It seemed like this would be another frustrating home defeat sealed at the death. However unlike last time out against Exmouth, this script was to have a different ending.

From the restart the visitors sought to maintain close range possession to see out time. Then, with seconds remaining, a penalty was awarded wide right and Oke fly half Simmons stepped up. Showing great character and temperament, he banished the memories of the Exmouth miss with a sweetly struck effort that flew over to roars of joy and relief from the home support. The final whistle immediately blew and somehow the Okes had come from behind to snatch a precious four point win. Launceston will rue another close defeat to their rivals, while Okes will be delighted with the character and never say die attitude that kept them in this match. The set piece will need some work before next week's rearranged visit of high flying Brixham, but in the meantime this extremely young Okes outfit continue to learn lessons and develop match by match.

'Come On You Okes!'