Report from Toby Daniel - Okehampton RFC

Okehampton 17pts  Bideford 3

Mission accomplished for the Okes as they came out on top in a forward orientated battle on yet another muddy surface. This time the victory over their Torridgeside visitors kept the hosts hot on the tails of the leading two sides in Western Counties West.

After two hours of persistent rain before kick off, the going underfoot was bound to be extremely soft. This meant that these two sides, who like to play fast attacking rugby, had to knuckle down and let the forwards decide who would be the victors. The good news for Oke was that their pack were in the mood and on form, whilst their stout defence would also prove crucial.

Oke played up the slope first and Bideford had the upper hand in the first quarter. They twice came close the opening the scoring only to be held up over the line on one occasion and forced into touch on the other. Visiting fly half Ollie Wickett also missed a penalty chance as the conditions began to play their part.

After holding firm, Oke finally got their chance to attack entering the second quarter. They drove through their pack effectively and eventually forced a five meter scrum through their increasing pressure. After resisting briefly, the Bideford pack were forced back over their own goal line and home number eight Steve Alford got the final , scoring touch. Fly half Carl Poynton converted as Oke started to gain the ascendancy.

Another good spell of keep ball from the home eight allowed Poynton to add another three points before the interval, and Oke went in at half time with the slope to come, and ten points to the good.

Oke looked like they would stretch their lead in the opening passages of play down the hill. However they went into their shells for a period and Bideford took advantage to reduce the arrears. After a rare midfield missed tackle, the Bideford centre chipped and chased as he approached home full back Matt Dennis. The attack was halted by an off the ball tackle and Dennis went to the bin as a result. Wickett slotted over the simple penalty chance and suddenly, despite all their possession and territory, Oke were only a converted score ahead.

This raised Oke from their stupor and the pack, led by the outstanding Neil Perrot and Sam Turner, took control and once again they entered the Crediton twenty two with intent. Several forays were repelled, either by firm defence or thorough home errors, before the next, and deciding score came. Once more it was the set scrum that did the damage.

Oke were awarded a penalty in front of the posts; to the surprise of many, they chose to scrum instead of stretching their lead to more that a score. However the decision was soon fully vindicated as, after infringements from the Bideford pack, the referee awarded a penalty try. Poynton converted and Oke were two scores ahead with fifteen minutes left on the clock.

Bideford came again and were hunting a losing bonus point. Oke got twitchy and failed to clear their lines on a couple of occasions. The home defence was resolute though, and even the late sin binning of prop Nicky Martin failed to weaken their rearguard. Oke held out and gleefully kicked possession into touch to signal the match end.

So, an unsurprisingly tight game against a useful Bideford side, that are still on the fringes of the promotion race. Forward power held sway, but the spectators still saw an excellent match that was almost old school in its style and competitiveness. Oke will hope to maintain this good form when they travel to Tiverton next week for a rearranged cup match.

Pictures of the game here