We started the afternoons proceedings with a minutes silence for a dear friend of ORFC Gary Sizmur. All of us at ORFC send our deepest condolences to his family and friends.

With the Okes receiving the ball up hill first within the first couple minutes a penalty was awarded to Sarries but the Okes defence was working well causing a knock on. It was a game of attacking and defending for a while with the weather causing some errors in handling but when we were defending it was looking strong in our own 22. Back in attack there were strong carries from the forwards but errors cost us when Sarries turned the ball over and scored there first and only try of the day, conversion good. 0-7

The Okes were back in defence but not for long when the ball came back in our hands. Our attacking game came into play when the passes were shortened abit. Good line speed from everyone saw us gaining ground. A penalty then awarded to Sarries for holding onto the ball allowed them to kick to touch. Back on the defence saw a couple tap and go penalties awarded to the Okes, with a quick ball called to the right, a well deserved try was dotted down by Abi Knight, no conversion. 5-7

The wet weather came back and was causing handling errors from both team. There were srong tackling to defend attack from Sarries put in at scrum. With the Okes back in attack a storming run from Amy sits a Sarries player on the floor. Strong running from Poppy off of a set piece gained us more ground. Another scrum and each one were getting stronger and stronger, this time overturning the Sarries ball. This led to a strong attacking passage from Okes with great runs from the backs, and a storming run from Ellie, a quick ball right was called again where Abi finished off the attacking phase over the line for her second try of the day and ended the first half. Con good by Issy. 12-7

A change in the second half saw the subs on.
With the okes now to kick off down the hill, very quickly Megan made a storming tackle pressing the ball out of touch. A lineout to the Okes saw our set pieces come into play where the ball was out to the backs and gave chance to gain ground. A sharp change of direction from the Okes throwing sarries defence off shape set debut Garnet to secure a third try for the Okes. No con. 17-7

From the reset it was soon another penalty to the Okes with Abi getting taken high, her decision for penalty kick out for the line out left the ladies on the 10m, the ball landing in Becky’s arms who gave a strong run gaining ground . Attacking play was coming into shape keeping the ball in possession. The ball shipped to the backs soon saw it in Issy’s hands gaining ground in the 5m channel. However it was not long until Sarries were back on the ball and were charging down the pitch looking for there second try quickly stopped by Abi and a turnover saw us back in posssesion.

Another high tackle on Dani saw another Sarries player sent to the bin, with 2 players down now was our chance to really pile the pressure on attack. We used our set plays again to ship the ball to the backs where Sophie Williams stormed down the 5m channel to dot the ball over the line. No con. 22-7

From the reset it’s Okes ball confidently again, attacking phases moving us closer to the points, a few turnovers in between admittedly. A line out formed in the 22 see the Okes in possession with backs play coming in this saw the ball in the strong hands of Poppy who dashes through sarries defence to ground the ball for her first try of the game. 27-7

Back in attack again our play was really coming together in possession most of the time. Scrumming was strong and pushing on the scrum everytime. A risky decision by Abi called the ball blind and with issy on her shoulder it was a 2v1 The ball darted to Issy who was over the line to score her first try of the day. No con. 32-7

Once again the Okes were back in attack not letting Sarries have a chance at the ball. Brilliant lines from the forwards and backs gaining us ground again. A near mirror image of the last try was recreated putting issy in the corner for her second try of the day. No con. 37-7

With only a couple minutes left of the game the Okes knew to keep the pressure up. More strong attacking play saw another penalty to the Okes. A tap and go by Becky saw her gaining metres down the pitch but unfortunately tackled out to touch and that was the final play of the game. A brilliant 37-7 win for the ladies in their first league match of the season in front of another packed home crowd.

Our next league game is this Sunday 24/9 away to Cullompton 2nd XV Ladies 2.30pm KO. Any travelling support is welcome.

If you fancy giving rugby a try, come along to a training session on Tuesdays and Thursdays 7-8.30pm at Okehampton Rugby Club. Any age (18+), experience or ability welcome.