Western Counties West
Okehampton 14
Ivybridge 34
IN monsoon conditions and a driving wind, Okes were not able to get a sufficient first half lead to hold off the Bridgers' onslaught.
Both sides need complimenting on the intensity of the game and the returning Francis added steel, skill and aggression to the Okes side.
Ivybridge won by four goals and two penalties to a try and three penalties.
Okes led 14-6 at half time and had other scoring chances which were reduced by a committed Ivybridge defence.
Searle kicked three good penalties on a gluepot of a surface and Vick finished off for a try after good work by Sage.
Without looking for excuses Okes do not have a large squad and losing Alford and Reddaway to injury and illness stretched the resources.
The visitors did not have that problem and having a large player base including a talented group of youngsters shows why they are a leading side.
Despite the visitors scoring the two goals early in the second period the score was 14-20 until injury time.
Ivybridge then scored two goals which were down to sapping conditions on a defence and skilled opponents. Lesser teams would have cracked earlier.