Okes began up the slight slope and with a light crosswind. It was a bright start from the maroon and Amber’s and the early signs looked promising. However, after several promising moves, crediton finally got some possession and struck with their very first attack. A hopeful kick ahead on four minutes bounced kindly for winger Josh Woodland, who broke a tackle and scored in the bottom left corner. The conversion was landed.

Slightly shell shocked by this score, the visitors were soon on the attack once more. Scrum half Ollie Wonnacott utilised the short side to put Leon Horn away up the left flank. the Oke full back beat the cover to bring the scores level after Skipper Simmons added the extras.

At this point, a high scoring encounter seemed likely, however the weather worsened and defences were soon on top. Crediton were next to threaten but were repelled, before the okes responded, but Simmons was wide with a penalty attempt on 28 minutes,his first missed place kick for several weeks .

Oke were unable to take take advantage of penalty chances that came their way, as the line out was misfiring so badly. They opted for scrums, which they dominated, but these were mainly in midfield allowing Crediton to keep their line intact.

Remarkably with just 31 minutes on the clock, the referee blew for halftime, much to the amazement of the gathered crowd. It was later revealed but he done his 10,000 steps for the day and the resulting alert obviously confused him!

Once the players returned for the second period, it was the hosts who started on the front foot. Kicking smartly for territory, knowing their opponents line out was in trouble, they soon struck for their second try of the afternoon. Once more it was powerful winger woodland who crashed over for another converted score, to restore the home side’s seven point advantage.

Scoring opportunities were at a premium as the conditions allowed defences to rush up and pressurise. As a result balls went to ground, were lost in contact and offloaded when the option was not really on. Entering the last quarter crediton lost a player to the bin and Okehampton finally made their pressure pay. It was the ever willing Sonny Luxton who crossed for the precious five pointer and Simmons converted to bring the scores level.

The match was in the balance. Okes were spending long periods in the opponents half and a kickable penalty ensued. Luke Simmons stepped up and landed it to give the visitors a narrow,but vital three point advantage.

With the ref’s timekeeping history the crowd had no idea how long was remaining! Creddy came again in search of a score. Oke found themselves under pressure, but a scrum penalty allowed the lines to be cleared and they ultimately held out, and ground out a priceless away win.

Not a classic, but local derbies often aren’t. Okes will care little. as they get the away monkey off their back. Lots to work on in training this week though in anticipation of the impending visit of Pirates amateurs in a rearranged fixture next Saturday. kickoff is now 2.30 so please come along and give the lads your much appreciated support.

“Come on you Okes!“.