Late drama for Okes rugby

It’s never a good idea for Okehampton rugby supporters to leave before the end, and their 1st XV was involved in another nail-biting finish before pulling off a surprise 20-15 win at previously unbeaten SW Regional One leaders Launceston.

The Okes had earned their first win of the campaign by winning a last-minute lineout to beat Ivybridge the weekend before.

This time Tom White’s side led Launceston at Polson Bridge, but were under huge pressure in the closing moments.

Launceston fans started to celebrate when their prop Charlie Short appeared to have forced his way over, but Okehampton’s defence had just held him up and the referee confirmed the decision.

The Okes had trailed 13-15 at half-time, but eventually won with tries by Richie Friend and Leon Horn, with Luke Simmonds kicking two penalties and two conversions.

The result cost Launceston the leadership.

Chew Valley (22pts) are back on top after routing Weston-super-Mare 61-6 and Devonport Services (20) are level on points with Launceston in second place after beating Brixham 39-22 at the Rectory Field.

Barnstaple are looking increasingly like a team to watch.

Relegated last season, they’re up to fourth place, only three points behind Chew, after an impressive 26-3 win at Exmouth.

In Regional Two, Sidmouth (24pts) extended their unbeaten start to the season with a fifth win, 61-12 over Truro.

Crediton are four points behind, level with Wadebridge Camels and Cullompton, after beating Wellington 26-12 at Blagdon.

Cully were too good for Chard (33-12) at home, but there was a surprise at Teignmouth where Topsham, who’d started fast after winning the Western West division last season, came unstuck 14-33.

Forced into changes up front, Tiverton lost 22-27 at St Ives in Western West, where unbeaten Plymstock Albion Oaks still lead the way.

Matt Hague, Ben Bingham and Dave Harris scored tries for Tivvy, with Ed Ryder kicking seven points, and at least they returned home with a bonus point.

Bideford were thumped 64-23 at improving Paignton, and a weakened Tavistock side were pipped 36-36 at Pirates Amateurs – two bonus points to ease the pain of that defeat.

Torquay Athletic are still five points clear at the top of Counties Two Devon after winning 29-12 at OPMs.

Services 2nds are second, despite losing 24-29 at Barnstaple 2nds, who are upwardly mobile in fourth place.

South Molton (3rd) earned an important home win, 24-17 over Withycombe.

Other results: Cos Three NE – Cullompton II 48 Exeter Athletic 15, New Cross 7 Crediton II 48, Okehampton II 20 Teignmouth II 23, Tiverton II w/o Sidmouth II, Topsham II 50 Torrington 5; Table – Topsham 25, Crediton 20, Tiverton 18, Teignmouth 16, Okehampton 13. SW – Tavistock II 7 PAO II 27.

This weekend sees the first of the season’s ‘breaks’, although there are a handful of fixtures being played: Reg 2 - North Petherton v Cullompton, Cos 2 Devon - North Tawton v Exmouth II, Cos 3 SW – Tavistock II v Paignton II.