The visitors made changes this week and started brightly with an early try from number eight Saul Holliday. Converted by Skipper Luke Simmons who was to go on to have 100% record from the tee. Okes then had plenty of opportunities to extend their leaf but were not clinical and allowed the hosts back into the encounter with a try of their own. The Visitors lead was soon restored after a try from Winger Marley Parker who ran in up the right flank, again Simmons converted , but the winger was soon to leave the field through injury. Newton then responded with another try as Okes fell below their normal defensive standards

Sub Oscar Bridger then saw a yellow and the home side took advantage to take a 21-14 lead approaching the interval. Back came the Okes with a try from short range by prop Tom White, returning to his old stomping ground, Simmons of course converted, leaving the halftime score 21 piece.

Okes made more changes but still failed in the early parts of the second half to regain control. The home battling fiercely, scored in the corner to take the lead once more.

Entering the last quarter Okes more experienced players came to the fore and the home side began to tire. A converted Tom McGrattan try brought the scores level once more. The visitors then extended their lead with a Brandon Horn score, converted by Luke Simmons, after a good assist from Richie friend.

The home side refused to buckle though and scored once more to keep their hopes alive. Now with just a two point advantage, Okes applied pressure once more and after several close efforts the ball was shipped wide to replacement wing Oscar Bridger who raced over in the clubhouse corner. Simmons added a touch line conversion to make it 42 points to 33 to the visitors entering the last 10 minutes.

Okehampton replacements were now making an impact, and pop Pat Nash powered over to seal the game. Simmons again adding the extras. There was still time for one more score in this points fest, and it was that man McGrattan who put the final gloss on on the win, on the end of a cross kick. Simmons again landing from the right touch line.

So 56-33 to the Okes at full-time, unsurprisingly the match wasn’t quite of league intensity but the Okes blooded more youth, and all that matters is being in the semi finals where Plymstock Albion Oaks will be the hosts. Next week sees the maroon and Amber‘s travel to Ivybridge, recently relegated but having started well this season. A tough trip, for which your support would be greatly appreciated.

“Come on you Okes!”