Okehampton seconds 16

Brixham seconds 22

IT's been an up and down start to the season for Okehampton seconds. After two very successful seasons, a lack of depth, and the inability to put out a settled XV, has resulted in more defeats than they have been accustomed to. This defeat was not too disheartening though as the side competed well against a powerful Brixham side who are going well in the league this year.

Playing up the slope, Oke competed manfully up front and their forward power was the main reason for the slender 9-7 lead the hosts held at the interval.

Fly half Jordan Lee compiled three well struck penalties after Oke fail behind to an early Brixham score. With their domination at scrum time, Oke must have hoped that the second half slope advantage would bring them an impressive victory. Unfortunately, Okes were unable to produce any cutting edge outside at any point in the game. As a result, Brixham crossed for two second half tries as Oke became fragmented. Injuries ands substitutions abounded, and when the scrums became uncontested due to an away injury, victory looked unlikely.

Back rower Simon Bennet, Oke's standout performer on the day, bullocked his way over for a well deserved individual score. Lee converted but it was too little too late.

When the final whistle went, Oke were proud of their performance, but knew with a little more guile outside they could have snatched victory.