Okes five games away from the title

When it comes to Moorland rugby, Okehampton Women are blazing a trail to silverware after a crucial 62-27 victory over a strong Topsham team kept the Okes top of the Women’s NC SW Division.

Abi Knight took the plaudits with an incredible five-try haul and the Okes sit two points above Devonport Services Ladies with just five games remaining. Next on the list is a trip to Bideford Ladies, who pushed Okes all the way before succumbing to a 19-10 loss in the reverse fixture in November.

On the men’s side of the club, it was a tough weekend for the Okehampton first XV, as they slipped to a 36-21 defeat at mid-table rivals Wadebridge Camels. As we approach the closing weeks of the campaign, the Okes look set for another season in the Regional 2 Tribute SW Division.

The Okes host relegation-threatened Truro at the beginning of March, when a victory would be a big help to Devon neighbours Newton Abbot, who have four games to pull away from the bottom. In the Counties 3 Devon NE Division, Okehampton 2nds trounced Newton 2nds 58-0.

Ivybridge Women are emulating the success of the Okes, as they sit top of the Women’s Championship SW 2 Division. The Ivies have lost only once all season and will be favourites to continue that trend at mid-table Cheltenham on February 22.

Unfortunately, the bright picture turns bleak on the men’s side of the club, with Ivybridge first XV rooted to the bottom of the Regional 1 Tribute SW Division. After a painful 71-7 defeat against high-flying Exmouth, the Ivies have to dust themselves down for the visit of St Austell on March 1.

There was better news for Ivybridge Vandals, who are five points clear at the top of the Counties 3 Tribute Devon SW Division after a brutal 83-0 demolition of Torquay 2nds. The Vandals next travel to bottom club Kingsbridge 2nds.

In the Counties 1 Tribute Western West Division, Tavistock are one place above the bottom after succumbing to a 17-58 defeat at home to Kingsbridge. Tavi were in the game at half-time, trailing by just ten points at 12-22, but the visitors raced clear after the interval.

Tavi do have a game in hand on the side directly above them, Penryn, and will be hoping to take advantage with a trip to mid-table Redruth 2nds.