Report courtesy of AJ Williams

On a bright, crisp late November afternoon the Okes made their way the short trip up the A 386 to face a Bideford side lying just above mid-table.

Bideford kicked off into the low sun and expertly won the ball back from their own kick off. It was immediately obvious that the hosts intended to play a limited 10 -man game with their bulky forwards seeking to punch holes in the Oke defence. This was more than adequately dealt with by the Okes and with only 10 minutes on the clock Oke secured a scrum just inside the Bideford 22. With the formidable front row of Nicky Martin, George Trerise and “Langy” the Oke eight rumbled the Bideford scrum back over their own line for that arch poacher Tom McGrattan to get the important touch down. The conversion was pulled wide left. What followed, was eminently forgettable. Most of the play was between the 22’s with the occasional Oke foray into the Bideford red zone. Errors from both sides abounded. Rhys Palmer made one outstanding break, fed Tom Foggerty who only just failed to score. On the few occasions that Bideford attacked the Okes defensive strategy was effective.

After 32 minutes Reece Groom replaced Paul Lawrence in the row and the side really looked comfortable. After 35 minutes, Bideford made their first visit to the Okehampton 22. A home line out was won and the sizeable Bideford pack trundled their way over the Okehampton line for a try way out in the far right corner scored by flanker Folland. Surprisingly, the conversion was landed by full-back, Chris Snell. Just before half-time Pat Nash replaced Nicky Martin at loose head.

As the half-time whistle went there was a feeling of optimism amongst the travelling Okehampton support that all the good attacking moves from the first half would pay-off. Even allowing for the fact that Kev Dennis sustained what looked like a serious leg injury after just 12 minutes the Okes looked to have the fire power to down the hosts. Kev was able to stay on the field despite being in considerable pain but was not his usual attacking force.

The second half saw a similar pattern of play to that which we saw in the first half. The only difference was that the number of errors increased! The play was becoming very predictable with the Okes striving for another score and the home defence resisting strongly. During this period Oke missed 3 penalties to touch which would have set up attacking lines out. Perhaps the most memorable aspect of the game at this stage was seeing player/coach Gaz Evans running touch (and struggling to keep up with play!) with Welshie making a very impressive display as team physio!

The match looked to petering out to a narrow 7-5 win for the hosts when the referee awarded a penalty to Bideford which had many spectators scratching their heads. Inevitably, the home No 10 put the ball into touch setting up the attacking line out from which the big Bideford pack rolled over the line for a final score of 12-5. The Oke eight will not have been discouraged by this performance against a big, well coached pack. All the boys stood up and put in a good shift.

All-in-all a “following the Lord Mayors Show” performance from the Okes. Far too many errors but plenty for coach Gaz and the boys to work on. Tackling, as always was strong, running lines certainly needs to be addressed as does the sheer speed of handling in the line.
Next match at home next Saturday to Kingsbridge kick-off 2:30.