Weston haven’t dropped a point so far this season after recruiting from the higher leagues during the summer. Players have artived from Clifton, Bristol and even New Zealand as the Somerset side strive for promotion. Okehampton’s side, all 18 of which have come through the junior section , gave the table toppers a real fright before coming up just short.

After a well attended farmers lunch, the crowd gathered and the with Okes playing up the slope the early exchanges were very even, both sides feeling each other out. The hosts were unable to string consistent phases together, particularly a problem was the malfunctioning line out which prevented the home side from establishing a solid platform. The set scrum however, more than held its own against the much vaunted opposition.

It was the visitors who struck first on 27 minutes after being awarded a penalty, which they elected to kick to the corner. The catch drive effort proving successful.. A fairly soft try which was then followed by another shortly after. This time Oke harshly adjudged to have deliberately knocked on in midfield. Several phases later ex-Clifton Captain Marcus Nel slipped a tackle to cross between the posts to make it 0-12 approaching the interval.

Finally, Oakes managed to string some phases together and entered the red zone. Playing with a penalty advantage, Skipper Luke Simmons put up a speculative kick into the air on the WSM try line. Okes Centre Brandon Horn was able to gather the ball and ground it to give the hosts a vital foothold going into the break. Simmons converted and at 7-12 it was all to play for as the sides left the field.

Oke were looking for a positive start to the second half despite losing the experienced McGrattan to an unfortunate injury. They had barely settled when Weston moved the ball from a set scrum, a couple of missed tackles allowed their scrum-half, supporting on the inside, to cross beside the posts to extend the visitors lead to 7-19 very early in the second forty.

Oke had to regroup and they were soon back on the attack seeking to reduce the arrears. Now with the returning Callum Arnold packing down at eight, Okes pressured a defensive WSM scrummage. When the ball came loose, it was Arnold who profited with a pick up and drive over to put Okes back within touching distance. Simmons added the obligatory two and at 14-19 the crowd were roused once more..

Weston are at the top for a reason though, and they demonstrated their quality as they maintained possession for around 15 phases and stretched the home defence who were unable to turn the ball over. Eventually the Okes ran out of defenders on their right side, and the visitors crossed for a third try to once more go two scores clear at 14-26.

This game was far from over though, and the young Oke charges came again and thoroughly tested the Weston defence. Around 10 minutes were now remaining, and as Okey battered away close to the visitors line, full back Leon Horn picked up from the back of a close range ruck and scooted over up the short side. Simmons, the conversion king, landed the two and there were now just five points in it.

The home side continued to attack as time ticked away, unfortunately a pass in the Western 22 was adjudged forward and this allowed the visitors to regain,and monopolise, possession for the short time remaining. They played keep ball effectively and eventually kicked the ball off to seal a hard earned victory.

So in summary, despite not being at their sharpest, Oke could have emerged victorious but came up just short. Overall a positive performance considering the opposition, but still an encounter that could’ve gone either way. Okes can be proud of their efforts and now need to focus on another tough opponent, as they travelled to Wadebridge next Saturday, hoping to maintain their position in the upper echelons of the table. KO is 2.30 and any travelling support would be seriously appreciated.

“Come on you Okes!”