Oke Rugby on the 2025 march

It was a pulsating start to the new rugby year for Okehampton RFC.

Okehampton Ladies welcomed Devonport Services in a clash between the top two in the Women’s NC 2 SW Division, and the half-time score of 19-21 to the visitors demonstrated the level of close competition.

After the break, however, the Okes pulled clear to secure an outstanding 38-28 victory, with Hetty Vallance and Phoebe Ogborne their top performers. The win puts Okehampton two points clear of Devonport at the top.

On the men’s side of the club, tries from Luke Simmons, Michael Stevens, Leon Horn and Karl Pearce helped the Okes bag an impressive 17-33 victory at Wellington. Ed Cross picked up the man of the match award, with Okes up to second in the Regional 2 Tribute SW Division. Third-placed Crediton are the visitors on Saturday.

Newton Abbot remain at the bottom of the division but were seriously unlucky to lose 29-24 at Cullompton. It is a big game for Newton this weekend, when they host second from bottom Truro.

It is a daunting start to 2025 for Ivybridge RFC in the Regional 1 Tribute SW Division. After slipping to a 38-7 defeat at title-chasing Launceston on Saturday, the Ivies welcome current leaders Barnstaple this weekend and then travel to second-placed Brixham.

February starts with a home game against Chew Valley, the side one below them at the bottom of the table, and then a trip to Exmouth, the other club competing at the very top of a division dominated by Devon-based outfits.

There is better news for Ivybridge 2nds, who are ahead of Old Technicians on points difference at the top of the Counties 3 Tribute Devon SW Division. The Vandals crushed Paignton 2nds 43-5 on Saturday and next host lowly Plymstock Oaks 2nds on January 18.

Ivybridge Women are top of the Women’s Championship SW 2 Division, overpowering Cullompton Ladies 28-12 to start the new year.

It continues to be a difficult campaign for Tavistock in Counties 1 Tribute Western West. Tavi slipped to a 16-48 loss at home to Wiveliscombe and next travel to mid-table Redruth 2nds.