Devon & Cornwall League Okehampton 1st XV 7 Truro 1st XV 11 A NARROW defeat to a much fancied team who have strengthened since relegation from a higher league. Sounds encouraging, but Okehampton will be disappointed that they missed a great chance to start the home league campaign off with a win. Like many of last season?s performances, this one began and ended well, but the period in the middle was mysteriously flat and the chance of victory slipped from the home side?s grasp. Okehampton lost the toss, and playing down the slope they started vigorously, driving the visitors deep into their half, and an early score looked likely. It arrived after a lovely break from fly half Brimmacombe who, showing the benefit of carrying the ball in two hands, showed the ball and ghosted through the middle to score a fine individual try between the posts. Lee Carey converted. Okehampton applied more pressure and after a penalty chance was missed the game began to turn. The visitors grew in confidence and moved into the home side?s 22. From a home scrum, too long was taken in clearing the ball and the clearance kick was charged down. The visitors capitalised on the error and grounded the ball for an unconverted try that left the interval score at 7-5. Okehampton knew they should have been a couple of scores clear after the first half but had paid for failing to turn possession and territory into points. The first part of the second period mainly belonged to the visitors. Okehampton defended stoutly though and despite being penned in their own 22 for long periods, still maintained their narrow lead. But the pressure told and a well struck penalty by the visiting full back gave them a narrow lead entering the last quarter. Another penalty extended the lead to four points and Okehampton knew that a score in the last few minutes would bring victory. Unfortunately, a lack of width and penetration saw them come up short. The final whistle went and the home side went down to a narrow defeat. Plenty for the coaches to mull over this week, and as there was no mass euphoria after last week?s victory, there need be no mass panic after this week?s defeat. Hopefully, a positive performance lies ahead in this week?s away fixture with local rivals Wessex.