Western Counties West
Okehampton 1st XV 7pts
Bude 1st XV 22pts
AFTER a decent performance the previous week against a high riding Torquay side, Okehampton came back to earth with a bump, producing their worst league performance for some considerable time.
In miserable conditions, Okehampton played with the elements in the first half. Bude looked a well organised side in the early exchanges, both sides trying to play some rugby despite the poor conditions. Okehampton had a good afternoon in the line-out, one of the few areas of their play that was up to expected standards. This provided them with enough ball in the opening quarter to take play into their opponent's twenty two on several occasions. Unfortunately for the home side, they failed to turn these chances into a substantial lead to hold onto in the second period.
An astronomical penalty count against the home side certainly didn't help their cause, neither did being penalised while attempting to cross the line, or the fact that the official decided to only play 35 minutes in the first half.
Okehampton did manage to take the lead midway through the half as number eight Sam Turner opened the scoring with a well controlled push over try. Fly half Carl Poynton added the extras but that was as good as it got for the hosts.
After the abridged first half, Bude immediately went on the offensive. Driving into the heart of the Okehampton defence their well organised offensive maul was causing no end of problems, and it wasn't long before the Cornish visitors got themselves on level terms. A missed tackle in midfield, unfortunately one of many similar efforts on the day, was punished as centre Williams crossed to the left of the posts. Hooker Bullutt added the conversion to tie things up.
As Bude continued to dominate possession they converted one of their numerous penalty awards to take the lead for the first time in the match. The game was still in the balance at this point, but with Okehampton failing to halt their opponents on the gain line, whilst looking uncharacteristically lacklustre in attack; only one side looked like they were heading for a win, even midway through second period.
Penalties continued to mount up against the home side and with a man advantage as Okehampton lost a forward to the bin in dubious circumstances, Bude opted for the corner. They drove forcefully once more and Okehampton's defence had no answer as they conceded another five pointer, scored and converted by hooker Bullutt. Entering the closing period, Bude rallied once more for a final forwards score to put the seal on a well deserved win. Back rower Williams was to profit this time from yet another driving maul. The conversion was missed and the game was soon over.
This was a performance that the home side will quickly want to forget, whilst defensive frailty issues quickly need to be addressed.
Next week's trip to Burnham gives Okehampton the chance to show that this was hopefully just a bad day. This young side have to be able to compete in poor , wet conditions as well as firm dry ones and the different rugby skills that period requires.