OKEHAMPTON 17-14 CREDITON 1ST XV

IT was always going to be a tough one against old friends and rivals Okehampton, and both sides gave everything in this derby clash.

Injuries from the previous week’s defeat at Ivybridge had not cleared up but the squad went into the game well prepared and ready for the fight.

From the first whistle, we set the tone, and our organisation and structure were spot on. Okehampton couldn’t cope with the early pressure and, within a couple of minutes, fly half Ollie Avery-Wright chipped over the visitor’s defence.

Josh Woodland’s reactions beat those of the visiting full back, and he regathered to cross for the opening score. Avery-Wright added the extras for an early 7-0 lead.

We were only ahead for a short period as, with possession on our ’22, the Okehampton scrum half broke blind to put his winger away for a try. The conversion was successful, and it was 7-7.

We continued to dominate possession throughout the first half, controlling the tempo and territory. Okehampton missed a penalty on 25 minutes, and the only other real scoring opportunity saw Woodland denied a second try when adjudged to have a foot in touch.

As the second half started, so did the rain, but we began with intent and took the lead when Woodland crashed over following a few pick-and-go phases from the forwards. Avery-Wright converted again and we were 14-7 in front.

As the half progressed Okehampton got themselves in the ascendancy. They were having the better of the scrums, but we were on top in the lineouts. In what was a physical battle between two evenly matched sides, we were coughing up an increasing number of penalties which ultimately resulted in a yellow card for debutant Freddie Clark.

With 10 minutes to go, Okehampton levelled the score with a converted try and then took the lead with a penalty with less than five minutes left on the clock. Unfortunately, we were unable to set up a position to go for some points and credit to Okehampton, who held their nerve and sealed the win 14-17.

This was a strong performance with every player putting in a massive effort. There were plenty of positives, despite the result, but the coaches will be looking at the penalty count and how it impacted our ability to maintain momentum in the game. It was a stark reminder of how fine the margins are in derby rugby!

We’ve had three very good years where we were winning more than we were losing and we’ve almost taken it for granted.

This season we are on a different journey, and it is great to see so many players and supporters alike staying after the game showing win, lose or draw, we stick together. That’s what it’s all about.

Next Saturday the 1st XV have a week off, the 2nd XV are away at Ivybridge in the quarter final of the Devon RFU Shield, the 3rd XV head to Barnstaple in the Merit Table, the Colts XV entertain Sidmouth in the Colts Cup and the Veterans open up their campaign with a trip to South Molton.

Rob Avery-Wright, John Gurzynski and Jay Harris