Okehampton 13 - Crediton 21

FOLLOWING on from Crediton RFC’s successful start to 2025 with a 30-17 win over fourth placed Wadebridge RFC, the First XV made the short trip to their old adversaries Okehampton RFC, currently sitting in second spot, for the next League game.

The league positions of the two sides plus the traditional local rivalry ensured this would be a very hotly contested fixture.

Added to which of course was that we would be playing for the Frank Webb Cup, the first time it has been played for many seasons due to Okehampton being in a higher league. The outcome being decided on the aggregate score over the two games.

The game started with both sides showing their intent, but it was Okehampton who got the first points on the board with only four minutes on the clock.

Getting good field position deep in our half, Okehampton looked after the ball well, setting up numerous phases of play before forcing their way over the Crediton try line for a converted try.

We countered immediately but the Okehampton defensive line was solid.

The game ebbed and flowed with both teams looking for an opening but both defences seemingly impenetrable.

However, on 27 minutes, we got the breakthrough we deserved. Winning possession just inside the Okehampton half, we moved the ball from touchline to touchline, probing for an opening.

It was centre Kev Dennis, playing against one of his former Clubs, who cut a good line through the Okehampton defence to run in for a try, OAW adding the extras to level things up.

With some big hits going in, players from each side were clearly giving it their all and this game would go right down to the wire.

Within four minutes of our first score, we got a second try.

Okehampton conceded a penalty and we kicked to the corner for a line out which we subsequently won.

We set up a series of strong driving mauls before prop Tom Luxmore tried to force his way over the Okehampton try line but was stopped just short.

We recycled very quickly and hooker Dan Yendell took advantage of the disorganised Okehampton defence to go over for an unconverted try. With no further scoring we reached the interval with a 12-7 lead.

The second half started in similar fashion to the first with defences on top snuffing out any attacks by the opposition.

However, the home side were the first to break the deadlock when we were penalised in our own half for holding onto the ball in the contact area. The penalty reduced our advantage to two points.

We responded quickly and within five minutes we were back to a five point lead. Another strong attacking move and an Okehampton defender was penalised for a high tackle, OAW calmly landed the three pointer but even so, it was still anyone’s game.

The two sides battled away relentlessly with neither prepared to give an inch, discipline would be key in such a close encounter and both sides could ill afford to concede penalties.

With the game entering the final 10 minutes, it was the Okes who “blinked first”, being forced into conceding another penalty for another high tackle. OAW promptly added the three points and we were two scores clear.

We added to our score with 70 minutes on the clock, when attacking deep in the Okehampton half, Okehampton were once again penalised for another high tackle, with OAW converting the penalty kick.

Okehampton were throwing everything they had at our defence which held firm until we conceded a penalty which they converted and once again it was a five point game with only minutes remaining.

With two minutes remaining we finally put the game to bed with another OAW penalty and from the restart we fielded the ball well and controlled possession through several phases of play to run the clock down before kicking the ball off the field to end the game.

Okehampton’s 10 match winning run came to an abrupt halt on Saturday when we avenged our earlier home defeat to them.

With the added attraction of the Frank Webb Cup at stake, there was much for both sets of players to play for. The Okes held a seven point advantage going into the game and we needed to win by eight points which of course is exactly what we did!

For the neutral spectator this was a very good game of rugby to watch, and credit must go to all the players for their total commitment to their respective club badges, with nothing being left out there on the field.

A special mention must also go to the Crediton players, who due to the adverse weather during the week were unable to get in any training sessions to prepare for this game, but an outstanding team performance was achieved for the win, and also of course, the Frank Webb Cup.

On Saturday we host Winscombe who we defeated by the narrowest of margins in Somerset earlier in the season.

Jeff Bowers