Dartmoor rugby clubs jostling for position in the early season matches

Consistency will be the theme of the week in the dressing rooms of both Ivybridge RFC and their Dartmoor neighbours Okehampton RFC, with both clubs lurking around the top group in the Regional 2 SW Division.

Weston-super-Mare have made a powerful start at the top, winning all five in the league so far, but the chasing pack are all bunched together and the Ivies and Okes are in that mix.

The Dartmoor duo shared a pulsating local derby at the start of October, Ivybridge powering into a 21-7 lead at half-time with tries from Adam Lilley, Charlie Teague and a penalty try, but the Okes fought back bravely in the second period and there was some relief in the home camp as they finished with a 29-21 victory.

Ivybridge took that form into a testing trip to Tiverton, another side in the group behind Weston, and it was another pulsating encounter. The Ivies literally gave everything in Mid-Devon before eventually succumbing to a 27-23 defeat. This weekend brings a visit from mid-table Crediton.

Despite the narrow loss at Tiverton, it was a special day for Ivies vice-captain Adam Lilley, who reached 50 appearances for the club. Head coach Steve ‘Aki’ Atkinson paid tribute to this milestone.

"A massive congratulations to Lills on reaching 50 caps for the 1XV,” he said. “A fantastic achievement at such a young age. One of the first names on the team sheet every week, he’s been a constant leader over the past two seasons, earning the role of Vice Captain this year.

“Another proud product of Ivybridge Minis & Juniors, following in the footsteps of his brothers who’ve moved on, although we reckon we’ve kept the best Lilley brother!”

Obviously motivated by that narrow defeat at Ivybridge, the Okes got back on the bike with a thumping 42-5 success at home to Teignmouth.

Oke were a little sluggish in the opening stages but found their rhythm when the backs were released from a scrum and Leon Horn dived under the posts, Luke Simmons adding the extra points.

After a spell of dogged defending, Okehampton broke the shackles with some fabulous wing play from Brandon Horn, cleverly chipping the ball into space before collecting his own assist to again score under the posts for an easy conversion.

Teignmouth did get a score on the board just before half-time but the second period was a rampant showing from Oke, Simmons picking up on a neat pass from Tom McGrath to extend the lead.

Sonny Luxton added the next score and the Okes took full advantage of a tiring Teignmouth side in the closing stages, Josh McCulloch and Leon Horn adding late gloss to the win.