Western Counties (west)

South Molton 19

Okehampton 27

OKEHAMPTON'S busy league schedule continued last week with a trip to local Western counties rivals South Molton. The North Devon outfit have not had the best start to the season, but this derby match is always a closely fought affair.

The first ten minutes were all Okehampton's, controlling possession up front and finding space out wide. The home side soon cracked under the pressure with Lee Carey crashing over on the left wing. Searle, who had brought his kicking boots with him, slotted the conversion and added two penalties in quick succession, stretching the lead to 0-13.

The visitors then relaxed with the prospect of an easy victory and South Molton saw their chance. Keeping the ball with their compact forward pack they kept the Okes on the back foot and responded with a driving try off a short lineout and two penalties.

Another well struck penalty from Searle saw the sides turn around with Okehampton holding on to the lead at 11-16.

The second half started in dramatic fashion with Searle chipping ahead over the line, before seemingly being brought down by a number of defenders in the chase for the touch down. Aggrieved by the referee's decision, or lack of it, Searle exchanged a few words, the result being a yellow card and ten minutes in the sin-bin.

South Molton capitalised on their numerical advantage, powering over from short range to level the scores.

With Searle off the pitch, responsibility fell to Carey to pull back in front with a well struck penalty under pressure.

South Molton responded with another penalty, levelling the scores again.

The last ten minutes saw the visitors finish as they had started, pinning the home side in their own 22 with strong scrummaging and good rucking work. Searle rounded off a good day's work with another penalty before the ever vigilant Steve Cook at scrum half saw a chink of light up the right touch line, chipped ahead and raced over the line to seal the victory.

In the end it was a good win away from home and Okehampton's third league win on the trot. This week sees the Exmouth side Withycombe visit the Showground where the Okes will be hoping to continue their recent run of form.