Some outstanding performances at the rugby club
Okehampton RFC is having a mixed season so far. At the time of writing the 1st XV are sitting in fourth place in the South West 1 (West) league on 27 points, but with some tough games to come. There have been some outstanding performances in the games so far which bodes well for the rest of the season.
The Second XV, which won the Devon Merit Table 1 last season, are finding the going much harder this season and are sitting in the lower half of the table. The Colts are similarly finding life a bit harder this season, but the squad is working hard to improve its performances. The junior section continues to thrive and the enthusiasm of the young players is a joy to behold.
The club started using the recently improved back pitch in earnest this season and it is holding up well. The new drainage system installed in 2016 is working well, meaning that its availability is vastly improved over previous years. The main pitch is out of commission for new drainage to be installed and will not be available before September 2018. The costs of these projects have been high and the club is grateful for the support it has received from various bodies, which include the RFU, Sport England, Okehampton United Charities and West Devon Borough Council. It is a great tribute to the club’s reputation and ambition that these bodies have shown such confidence in the club.
There is a lot of publicity about the involvement of teenage girls in sport of late. The club is working with the RFU and Okehampton College to provide facilities for women’s rugby. This is strong in some areas and the England Women’s team was highly successful in the World Cup last year. The club is waiting on planning permission on its Hilltown Cross site. Once additional facilities are available it is hoped to develop a women’s team to match the best.
All are welcome at the club. Fixtures and club information are available on the club web site at www.pitchero.com/clubs/okehampton Games kick off at 2.30pm over the winter period and you will be assured of a great afternoon’s entertainment - so why not come along and support your local club?