Rugby: Okehampton just make it against lowly Tiverton

Report from Toby Daniel - Okehampton RFC

Tiverton 10pts Okehampton 13

Tiverton are a side revitalised; so this was never going to be a repeat of last week's point's bonanza. The combination of a sticky pitch, and a home side battling ferociously to avoid the drop, meant Oke were happy just to come away with four more league points after a hard earned victory.

The flimsy tackling and soft underbelly that blighted Tivy's early season is long gone, and their experienced pack ensured this was always going to be a close contest. Oke had definite superiority at scrum time, but at the breakdown they struggled to prevent turnovers and had to defend manfully around their overworked fringes.

Okes started brightly and were a little unfortunate to fall behind after kicking off into a significant breeze. The ref harshly punished them for crossing only two minutes in after a perfectly legal scissors move. Home fly half Atkins potted the kick as Oke trailed by three. The match soon settled down to a familiar pattern, Oke looking lively in the backs but unable to fully capitalise on good breaks and counter attacks. Tiverton happy to take on the Okes at ruck and maul time, preferring to attack around the fringes rather than the wider channels. Midway through the evenly contested first half Oke drew level, as fly half Kevin Dennis landed a straightforward penalty chance. Playing against the elements Oke were creating chances, but Tiverton's defence was holding firm.

Half time arrived with the sides level at 3 all, in a competitive encounter which was struggling to raise the spirits of the sparse crowd. Oke made changes as the injured McGratton made way for Sam Turner, whilst Carl Poynton also entered the fray at fly half in a backline reshuffle.

Oke would have hoped to gain territorially from the strong wind in their favour, but their clearance kicks were lacking in height and authority. Meanwhile Tiverton were looking to move the ball wider in the early stages of the second half, as both sides looked for the vital next score.

However it was the visitors who struck next, and they took a lead they would never relinquish. There was more than an element of fortune about it though, as a clear knock on was missed by the official. The build up play to the score was impressive and fluent though, as Oke finally went effectively through the phases. They sucked in the home cover and created an overlap on the left. Unfortunately a weak pass dropped on the floor, and in an attempt to gather it, a knock on ensued. The ref did not stop play though and Oke took full advantage to put winger Craig Dennis over in the left corner. The conversion was unsuccessful but Oke now had a vital five point lead.

As the match entered the final quarter, and the light continued to fade, Oke were really getting on top in the set scrum. They forced a series of five metre scrums, and the pressure eventually told for the home eight. Steve Alford, now moved to number eight, showed good control after several reset scrums, and grounded for Oke's second, and seemingly match winning score. Poynton failed to add the extra two, but with a ten point lead and fifteen minutes of the contest left, Oke were in the box seat.

Full credit to the hosts though, as they fought to gain a foothold in the final minutes. Firstly they played keep ball in the pack, and slowly but surely entered Oke's territory. Pressure around the fringes eventually created enough of a gap, and scrum half Willis forced his way over to reduce the arrears. Atkins added the simple conversion, and with a few minute remaining, the match was on a knife edge.

Not surprisingly Tiverton now threw the kitchen sink at it in an attempt to secure the win. Plaudits to the Oke defence though, as they tackled valiantly in droves whilst the time ticked on and on, way past the forty minute mark. Finally, when it seemed the half would never end, the final whistle went and another vital away win was in the bag.

Wins away from home in this league are rarely pretty affairs, and this one was no different. So Oke remain in third, and have the visit of fellow high flyers Torquay next week in what promises to be a cracker. Why not make your way to the Showground, and enjoy what the town's young rugby talent has to offer in the way of a Saturdays afternoon's entertainment. KO 2.30pm