Oke Ladies surge into the quarter-finals

The Ladies of Okehampton Rugby Club are looking forward to a quarter-final encounter in the Papa Johns Plate competition after recording a dominant 5-58 victory at Gordano Ladies, Issy Edworthy and Dani Day the top Oke performers on the day.

This triumph was no flash in the pan, with Okehampton Ladies recording impressive league victories in recent weeks, including a 19-10 defeat of Bideford Ladies, a 17-47 triumph at Topsham Tempest and a 94-17 trouncing of Bude Ladies.

As it stands, Oke Ladies are second in the Women’s NC 2 SW Division, just five points behind leaders Devonport Services with a game in hand. The Okes sign-off before Christmas with a visit from Bridgwater & Albion Ladies on December 15.

On the men’s side of the club, Okehampton RFC are up to third in the Regional 2 Tribute SW Division after a 14-40 victory at Winscombe.

It was a first ever trip to this corner of Somerset for the Okes and they entered the game on a run of six straight victories, with both sides playing some open rugby in an enterprising start to the fixture in a swirling breeze.

Despite the attacking intent, it took 30 minutes for a breach of either defence, Rob Fishleigh angling a fine kick behind the Winscombe defence for Tom McGrattan to score the opening try. Leon Horn added the extras.

Winscombe quickly levelled after a handling error from Okehampton but the visitors immediately restored their lead, Brandon Horn bursting down the left wing to score on the stroke of half-time.

The Okes started the second period with the wind in their backs and the Winscombe defence increasingly stretched. Gaps began to appear and a powerful burst from Brad Curtis created space for Leon Horn to score.

The bonus point try was a thing of beauty for Okehampton, as a flowing move created a breakdown, where captain McGrattan picked up the ball to notch his second try.

The Oke cushion was given an extra pump when Rhys Palmer crossed the whitewash before a further consolation for Winscombe made it 14-33. There was still time for a sixth Oke try, Josh Burgoyne feeding Brandon Horn in midfield and when he was tackled just short of the line, a supporting Palmer picked up the pieces to complete a fine victory.

Okehampton host ninth-placed Teignmouth this weekend before travelling to North Petherton on December 14 and then wrapping up for Christmas with a huge home tie against fellow high-flyers Tiverton.

The tough campaign continues for Ivybridge in Regional 1 Tribute SW, as they slumped to a 46-14 defeat at Marlborough to remain rooted in the bottom two. The Ivies host mid-table Lydney on Saturday and then two big games against sides around them in the table, Sidmouth away on December 14 and Royal Wootton Bassett home on December 21.

Tavistock are also struggling in the bottom two of the Counties 1 Tribute Western West Division after going down to a heavy defeat at leaders Paignton.