Okehampton Vets 5 - Crediton Vets 31

CREDITON Rugby Club Veterans rugby team travelled to Okehampton in their first game of the season in the newly formed Devon Wooden Spoon Veterans league.

It was a pleasant day with little wind which resulted in some lovely running rugby from both teams. Needless to say there was much excitement among the players, some of whom had not played for 20 years or more. 

Crediton kicked off up the hill to Okehampton and into their formidable pack. John Gurzynski, Stuart Pickard and Kevin Ellis were Crediton’s front row, with Chris Baker and Richard Gray pushing hard in the second row and the Crediton powerhouse did not disappoint. The opening 20 minutes were fraught with injuries, blowouts and stoppages as the early effort took its toll on legs, lungs and every other moving part.

Crediton managed to get a lineout on the Okehampton “22” and the forwards somewhat selfishly decided to set up a catch and drive which ended with an Eddie Yeandle try, the backs could only applaud.

The next passages of play saw Mike Jones and the evergreen 67 year old Paul Comer were in fine form and they were unforgiving and impenetrable on the wings.

However, Okehampton bounced back quickly and scored a try out wide with some good passing and angled runs from their backs to level the scores at five all.

There were blistering runs from Nathan Reddick and Bradley Baker, before No8 George Savage eventually picked up from a ruck and bowled over for a try, converted by Ross Toms to take us to the break with a 12-5 lead. 

The management made some changes in the second half, with Peter May at the ripe age of 68 adding ballast and experience (and shenanigans) to the scrum.

Chris Hooper (a mere junior at 35 years old) was brought on to play his second game of the weekend having already played for the CRFC Second team on Friday night. Ian Dodds, Pete Vallance and Alex Gibbons added the spice and fire that Crediton needed.

It was a compelling half for the backs with two tries from Gareth Mason at full back and a try from Pete Rich at scrum half. There tries were assisted by the experienced backline of Chris Simpson, Ross Toms, Patrick Pellens and Ross Andrews.

Ross Toms kicked two more conversions to bring the final score to 31 to five to Crediton.

Okehampton showed great post-match hospitality in the changing room with port and cheese refreshments. 

We look forward to the next match away to Exeter Saracens on January 25, 2025.

Gareth Mason