ON the first dry day of the year (very nearly dry), Crediton travelled to Okehampton with a squad best described as “limited but lively”.

The home crowd were in full voice, the Okehampton squad were at full strength, and Crediton were… well, full of optimism.

The optimism took a knock when an injury struck inside the first 10 minutes, but Crediton refused to blink.

With barely any substitutions available, they dug in for the full 80 minutes like a team who’d left their white flag at home.

Defence was optional for both sides, and the scoreboard operator earned credit for sheer workload. Yellow cards were handed out evenly.

Okehampton’s backline featured a rotating cast of cartoon characters - Billy Whiz, the Roadrunner, and Speedy Gonzales - who repeatedly zipped through at a pace that Crediton’s defenders could only admire from a respectful distance.

Still, Crediton weren’t there to spectate. Their dogged attack punched back with five well worked tries.

And then there was Emma Davie, the undisputed Two Metre Queen, who helped herself to a glorious hat trick. A performance so good it probably needs its own highlight reel and a crown.

Final score: 78–31.

A tough day at the office, but Crediton bagged the try bonus point and a heap of experience. Heads up, bodies iced, and eyes forward to the next challenge: Yeovil at home.

Try Scorers: Emma Davie (3), Holly Keast, Ellen Pearce. Conversions: Rachel Mortimer (3).

Forward of the Match: Emma Davie. Back of the Match: Rachel Mortimer.

Next game at home on Sunday, February 22 v Yeovil Women’s, hopefully the weather will improve, all supporters very welcome for a 2.30pm KO.