On a mildly moist surface,Okes began brightly. They opened the scoring on five minutes, as the impressive Pat Nash,back in the side after injury, forced his way over for a score converted by Luke Simmons.

One of the visitors main issues, was failing to find touch throughout the game. This was the catalyst for the Teigns opening score as they made it 5-7 still in the first quarter. it was end to end stuff and the Okes were soon back in the ascendancy. Sustained possession stretched the home defence and eventually full back Leon horn crossed for another score converted by Simmons to make it 5-14 after 22 minutes. The hosts soon landed a penalty to reduce the arrears before Oke struck again with their third try of the half. Number eight Saul Holliday powering over after an initial lineout drive. This time Simmons was awry with the extras.

Oke were having big issues with their kickoff receipts and repeatedly allowed the hosts an easy route into the 22 as a result. Just before the interval centte Alex Ford took advantage of the Okes rushing out in defence to make it a 15-19 scoreline at the interval.

Okes didn’t start the second half well and another penalty for thehome side made it just a one point ball game. Okehampton were playing in the wrong parts of the pitch and home fans optimism was increasing. Then on 50 minutes a hopeful kick ahead from Simmons was recovered by winger Rob Fishleigh, using all his experience to cross after a clear run in. Simmons converting.

The Visitors didn’t learn their lesson at restart time though and immediately allowed the Teigns back into their 22. They eventually forced their way the line over once more. The score now at 23-26,Okes needed to respond. Saul Holliday then cut a nice line from short range to bag his brace and make it 23-33 after Simmons successful conversion.

Oaks now needed to deal with the restart effectively as they sought to see out the game .They managed just that and were were back on top as time ticked away. eventually sealing the win after centre Brandon Horn was on the end of good interplay,making it 23-38 after the missed conversion which also brought the final whistle.

So , whilst never in top gear this was a definite step forward from last week. A break next week before a tough trip to 2nd place, Tiverton follows… kickoff 2:30 pm.

“come on you Okes“