Okehampton RFC 45 - Crediton 1st XV 22

FOR 70 bruising minutes, there was nothing to separate these two proud clubs. Only in the closing stages did Okehampton’s greater conditioning tell, as three late tries stretched the scoreboard and gave the final result a gloss that did not reflect the balance of the contest.

From the first whistle, it was clear neither side would give an inch. The opening 40 minutes were as physical a half of rugby as you could wish to watch.

The collisions were brutal, the carries were met with crunching tackles, and the breakdown was fierce.

Despite limited preparation, we matched our rivals blow for blow.

Having managed just two training sessions in the past month, in contrast to an Okehampton squad able to train consistently throughout the recent rain break, we showed remarkable cohesion and grit.

The scoreboard told the story of the contest. Tries and penalties were traded as momentum swung back and forth, and when the halftime whistle sounded at 12-12, it was a fair reflection of a fiercely contested half. There was simply nothing between the sides.

The second half continued in much the same vein.

We had been forced to reshuffle in the absence of influential halfbacks Ollie Avery-Wright and Ed Brady, and displayed impressive composure.

Stepping into those key decision-making roles was never going to be easy in a derby of this magnitude, yet we adapted admirably.

Territory and possession were shared, and neither defence yielded cheaply.

With 10 minutes remaining, the contest was still hanging in the balance at 24-22 to Okehampton. A two-point ball game that could have swung either way.

However, the decisive factor ultimately proved to be fitness and concentration.

Okehampton, battle-hardened from uninterrupted training weeks, began to win the small margins around the breakdown. Three quick lapses of concentration in that area allowed the home side to exploit space around the fringes.

In almost identical fashion, Okehampton struck three times in the final 10 minutes, sneaking through after sharp work at the ruck to put daylight between the sides and stretch the scoreboard.

The late flurry was harsh on our lads who had competed toe-to-toe for the vast majority of the contest.

For 70 minutes, we had matched Oke in intensity and physicality, no small feat given the disrupted preparation and the absence of two key playmakers.

While the final score may suggest a comfortable win for Okehampton, those present will know it was anything but. This latest instalment of one of Devon’s great rugby rivalries delivered everything expected.

We can take significant encouragement from a performance built on resilience and heart. With more time together on the training field, we feel confident that we can get back to winning ways.

Scorers: Tries – Charlie Cookson (2), Josh Woodland; Cons – Josh Davey (2); Pen – Josh Davey.

Rob Avery-Wright