Cornwall/Devon League

Okehampton Chiefs 72

Teignmouth 5

THE first league game of the season at the Showfield, played under a clear blue sky, produced some champagne rugby of the highest order.

Okehampton, having been well beaten in their opening game at Sidmouth the previous week, were looking to redress the situation.

They did that and more against a spirited and gutsy Teignmouth who although, to be fair, were not the strongest, and on this performance will have to find something more to avoid what promises to be a hard season.

Despite this, Okehampton played with real commitment and desire, something desperately missing from the previous week.

Team selection, although controversial in the week, proved correct and the coach, captain and selectors were obviously delighted with the final score.

Big performances were needed and delivered. Dave Bickle, back in his customary role as scrum half, despite not getting on the scoresheet kept the visitors second-guessing at every opportunity,

Arnie Searle provided the stability needed at fly half, Lee Carey proved unstoppable once having broken the first tackle, Philpott, the ever present openside wing forward, was always within an arm's reach of the ball and provided the link between forwards and backs so often needed.

B J Chapman, making his home debut, had an outstanding game playing in the second row. His mobility and confidence with the ball was apparent and he looks to have a big future in the game.

Eleven tries were scored, four in the first half and the remainder in the second when the visitors fell away badly due to injury and fitness.

Carey, returning to his former club, bagged a hat-rick of tries, Captain Bruce Griffiths had a brace along with Searle, Graham Sage and Rob Philpott. B J Chapman and Liam Tierney scored one each, the latter two both debut tries.

Carey converted seven of the eleven tries and kicked one penalty.

This Saturday the Chiefs entertain OPMs from Plymouth in the first round of the cup — the visitors, who playing in the league below, last week beat Topsham by more than 70 points so it promises to be a high scoring game.