Both sides won on opening day, but neither really knew what to expect as they ran out on a dry afternoon at the Blagdon. The visitors began down the slope and were soon in the ascendancy, but Crediton demonstrated strong defensive resolve. It was obvious, even in these early stages that the Okes had a significant dominance at scrum time. Plentiful possession and territory proved fruitless however, as numerous penalty opportunities within the attacking red zone were wasted.

Minus messers Simmons and woods, the Oke back line were forced to use Leon Horn again at stand-off and back row Tom McGrattan in the centre. The latter was forced to leave the field in the first quarter to force an even greater reshuffle, and unsurprisingly as a result, Okes was far from fluent and they had to rely on the power of their forwards as their main attacking weapon.

Against the run of play it was the hosts who were first on the scoreboard. On their first entry into the visitors 22 they showed admirable patience before ploughing over from short range. Converted,it was seven nil and a warning that the Okes needed to be far more clinical in attack.

Unlike last week, Oke were receiving their fair share of penalties and after opting for a set scrum in the opposition 22, the ball was moved left where Leon Horn looped around to take a pass and slice through the home defence. He converted to bring the scores level at the end of the first quarter.

Okes wingers were struggling to deal with the hosts kicking game.Unnecessary knock ons ensued and from one such fumble Kirton set up their second attacking position of the half and again proved clinical in their execution. The score out wide on the right went unconverted, but that was enough to give the home side a 12-7 lead when the sides broke for the interval.

As the teams emerged, the pattern of the match continued in a similar vein. The home side forced an early penalty for a high tackle, and landed it convincingly, to extend their lead to eight points. That was as good as it got for the home side though as the visitors utilised their forwards to work their way back into the game. They were soon to score their second try of the contest and again it was the scrum that was the platform. Attacking from another set piece, a ruck was formed in midfield, number eight Saul Holliday picked up and ran through the unprotected central area to swallow dive in under the posts,it was converted by Horn and the margin was now a mere point.

Into the last quarter and Okes continued to apply the pressure. They lost winger Marley Parker to force a further backs reshuffle but the forwards still on forced a lockable penalty award. Horn failed to land it though and the slim deficit remained.

Entering the final ten minutes and the visitors continued to strive further decisive score. Continuous pressure forced another penalty which this time was potted gleefully by Horn and for the first time in a match they mostly dominated, Okes were ahead.

The hosts unsurprisingly responded, but Okes D held firm and their scum continued to monopolise, forcing a yellow card to confirm their superiority. There were a few nervous moments as Okes failed to clear effectively, but ultimately they saw out the remainder relatively comfortably to be rewarded with a capable away victory.

In truth, not a classic, but these matches rarely are. In contrast to last week where the Okes won despite lacking possession, whilst also under pressure in the set scrum. This week they won from behind with the opposites applying.

Next week brings a rearranged encounter with an ambitious Tiverton side, always in the upper echelons of the table. Home support could prove a considerable advantage, so please make your way to the show ground to support the boys in maroon and Amber. KO 3PM.

“Come On You Okes! “