The hosts began against the slope but with the breeze at their backs. For a change it was a bright and very promising start from the home side. They dominated the majority of the first 40 minutes, both in terms of possession and territory, however key opportunities were missed allowing the visitors to get a foothold in the game.

All the initial attacking play came from the hosts as the visitors struggled to contain backs and forwards surges. By the end of the first half hour Oke were 21 nil up but it could’ve been more, a couple of botched close range line outs and some questionable decision-making prevented the first half bonus point.

After much early pressure the first score came after 17 minutes. Initially partially repelled from an attacking catch and drive, the ball was eventually moved into midfield, where Centre Richie friend stepped inside and beat the cover to cross under the posts for a score which Luke Simmons converted.

The hosts were now piling on the pressure, and after several strong phases and fine hands, flanker Josh McCulloch was set free in the Tivvy 22 and he scored at wide on the left to extend the advantage. Skipper Simmons, metronomic from the tee landed a fine touchline conversion.

The third home five pointer of the half came after 34 minutes. Sustained phase play, followed by smart hands,saw left wing Oscar Bridger released up the flank to cross. Simmons unsurprisingly converting from the touch line. At this point Okes seemed in complete control, but they soon fell back into bad habits allowing a Tivvy score out wide just before the interval. So 21-5 up at the break, with the slope in the second half Okes were still sitting pretty.

Tivvy lost a player to the bin right on halftime, but despite this came out all guns blazing at the start of the second period. Okehampton became surprisingly passive and Tiverton tails were up. Especially after they scored their second try through winger Ben Bingham, who Okes struggled to contain all afternoon.The conversion was landed, and at 21-12 it was game on again.

The visitors were now in the ascendancy in this open contest, and when they scored their third try still in the early stages of the second half, home heart rates increased. The man in the middle was increasingly penalising the home side and from one close range penalty it was decided that the ball was grounded under a melee of bodies. Once converted this score reduced the margin to a mere two points.

Okes now had to rouse themselves in an attempt to regain what earlier seemed a comfortable lead. Captain Simmons was now in the bin but when Okes finally got into the attacking third,it was Richie friend who was called upon when a kickable penalty was awarded. He coolly landed it to restore a narrow advantage for the maroon and ambers .

Tiverton weren’t behind for long though, as they used the most potent weapon, Bingham, up the left flank, where a couple of missed tackles allowed him to run clear for his brace. Which when converted, put the visitors ahead and Okes fans on tenterhooks.

The hosts rallied once more, applying enough pressure to reap another kickable penalty. No surprise then when Simmons stepped forward and potted it between the uprights. Now 27-26, the last relishing minutes were sure going to be tense ones.

The game seemed to drag on forever and crucial decisions raised cheers and jeers in equal measure. Finally the whistle for full time arrived and a home victory was secured.

Both sides should take credit for their attacking intent. Okes maintain their unbeaten home record but need to take this form on the road, starting next Saturday with a trip to local rivals Crediton, for a Derby date that is always worth the admission fee….your support would be most appreciated.

“Come on you Okes!“.