The scene was set for a close encounter between two teams in the upper echelons of the table, and despite neither having played for several weeks, both sides served up an entertaining feast for the sizable crowd.

Local Derbies rarely disappoint,and this one got off to a lively start as as a sloppy Okehampton pass allowed the visitors to open the scoring after barely 2 minutes. Following a kick behind a flat Oke defensive line, Crediton’s right winger gleefully regathered and crossed in the bottom right hand corner for a try. iIt was well converted to bring an early seven nil lead for the visitors.

The physically and commitment from both sides could not be doubted as the first half proceeded to be a very even affair. The hosts struck back with their first try on 20 minutes as a quick tap followed by swift hands, put Brandon Horn in the clear. The Okes centre crossed midway out to reduce the arrears, unusually skipper Simmons missed the conversion.

Both sides set pieces were functioning effectively and with the playing surface surprisingly firm after the recent deluges,the teams continued to test each other’s defensive mettle. Okey’s main failing was an inability to find touch, and after one such occurrence another neat kick behind from the visitors caused problems. Oke failed to regather and left-wing Josh Woodland benefited to grab the visitors second five pointer. This time the conversion was missed and it was now 5-12 on the 25 minute mark.

Okes were soon back on the offensive though and several strong forays brought them within inches of the tryline. From a close range ruck, arch poacher Leon Horn snuck over, bringing the sides level after Simmons successful extras.

The home side continued to strive for another score right on the interval but were ultimately denied, and the sides were locked at 12 apiece as they retreated to the changing rooms at the interval.

Playing with the slope the home side made changes and were seeking the next score. However indiscipline allowed The visitors to regain the lead, albeit a narrow three point one, as they slotted a penalty early in the half. Okes form downhill this campaign has sometimes been lacklustre. That was definitely not the case this week though as they continued to attack with vigor, striving for a third try. Soon they were once more positioning themselves close to the whitewash. Crediton’s defence held firm until eventually lively replacement Callum Arnold forced his way over to give the home side the lead for the first time in the match. Simmons converted from in front.

Approaching the last quarter of the game, Okes needed another try glean suitable reward for their continuing pressure. Eventually the five pointer arrived and it was the outstanding Saul Holliday that was the creator, as he broke through the middle of a ruck and fed Rob Fishleigh superbly in support, and he crossed to give Oaks a more comfortable looking Nine point advantage after Simmon’s extras.

Visitors Crediton were on a long unbeaten run and demonstrated exactly why as they refused to buckle and were soon back over the try line themselves. A converted third try reduced the arrears to a mere two points. It was now seriously game on again as both sides sniffed a vital victory.

You couldn’t take your eyes off this encounter and as it entered the last ten minutes Okes again set up camp in the visitors 22. A five metre scrum was awarded and as the home eight drove forward Saul Holliday demonstrated good control at the base to pick up and score another crucial five pointer. Simmons again converted and at 31-22 the game was not quite sealed but surely nearly over..

However, there was still enough time remaining for the hosts to put more distance between the sides. Firstly Holliday picked up and went through the middle to feed Fishleigh for a carbon copy second score, then with the last play of the game Leon Horn crossed on the left as the visitors defence ran out of cover.

The final whistle came and Okehampton celebrated a five point victory, however this was a much tighter match than the final score would suggest. Crediton were right in the contest for the majority of this entertaining encounter.

So full credit to both sides,Okes now have a week off before a trip to Penzance as they seek to remain in the play-off positions.

“come on you Okes!”