Western Counties West
Okehampton 13
Devonport Services 0
A THIRD league win in as many weeks and the second double of the season kept Okehampton in the hunt for a fourth place finish in the league.
The home side secured much possession in the first half and perhaps showed over confidence in electing to run a number of kickable chances at goal. It was Searle, however, who belatedly opened the scoring with a well struck penalty.
The home side suffered an uncomfortable spell late in the half when Searle was sent to the sin bin following an exchange of 'opinions' with the match referee. Andrew Dare moved from centre to fill the void at full back and the whole team defended well, emerging the other side of the 10 minutes unscathed.
The full back soon made up for lost time on his return, going over for the first try of the game after a well timed run from deep, just doing enough to connect with a miss pass from Vick at fly half. The score signalled the half-time whistle.
Okehampton scored again soon after the break when Steve Alford put Graham Sage away, who after working on his fitness during the week had the legs to go all the way.
Services turned up the heat for the remainder of the game, throwing the ball wide and attacking with every opportunity. The home side however, stood their ground with Curtis and Dare impenetrable in the centres.
Some good scrummage work followed during a period of sustained pressure on the Okehampton line. On several occasions the Okehampton pack drove the visitors off their own ball when they were within scoring range.
Keith Lee was solid in all areas of play, collecting man of the match and the veteran no 8, Andy Ewen put in another fine performance playing in what is now his fourth decade of first team rugby for the club.
The performance was not as clinical as in recent weeks, but the team stuck to the task, defended well to keep a clean sheet and collected another good win.