Devon and Cornwall League Cullompton first XV 12 Okehampton first XV 6 THIS was an admirable effort from the Okes against many people's favourites for promotion. Cullompton are unbeaten at home this season and in perfect playing conditions they started at a furious pace. Playing down the slight slope and with the following breeze, Cully stretched the Okes' defence in the early stages. Okehampton were struggling to secure their own set-piece ball and the home side took advantage with an overlap try in the corner from their right winger. The conversion was missed but the warning signs were there for the visitors. It is to Okehampton's credit that they knuckled down and came more into the game after the first quarter. They started to get used to the fast pace and their defence was robust and resolute. Winger Lee Carey was forced to pull off two try saving cover tackles and the back row had to defend heroically all across the spacious pitch. The game was fully committed with no quarter asked or given; defences were on top and scoring opportunities at a premium. The first half continued in this tight vein until five minutes before the interval. Okehampton were adjudged to have knocked on an attempted interception. The home side were awarded an attacking scrum in the middle of Okehampton's 22. Yet again the pacy home full back entered the line and caused problems, the ball was moved right and then back inside for the supporting scrum half to cross midway out and follow it up with a successful conversion. It was now 12-0 and the half-time whistle was approaching. Then Okehampton were awarded a penalty on halfway and Carey stepped up to strike a fine penalty to make the score 12-3. The second half followed a similar pattern to the latter stages of the first. A midfield battle ensued and neither side looked likely to break the deadlock. Okehampton were still struggling to secure any decent lineout ball, but had started to get on the front foot in the set scrums. Carey kicked another penalty to reduce the deficit to six points and the match hung in the balance. Okehampton made changes and persisted in bring the ball back inside when perhaps some variation was required to break down the well drilled home rearguard. Several forays into the home twenty two were penalised or turned over, and Cullompton were able to clear their lines. Player coach Brett Luxton, having another fine game, made a determined break from halfway and looked likely to score, but he was overhauled by the home defence and the final pass went astray. His fellow back rower Ali Mason, who was outstanding in attack and defence, mounted numerous strong charges to break the gain line but each time the final cutting edge was absent. Cully mounted one last attack to try to finish Okehampton off, but like numerous other attacks it was smothered by good defence. The final whistle went and the home side were relieved to pick up both points to maintain their promotion challenge. For Okehampton it was a case of what might have been. They showed how far they have come in recent weeks by putting up such a sterling effort against a side that would not be out of place challenging in the league above. Every single Okehampton player defended stoically and with a bit more possession the game could have been snatched. Despite defeat this performance shows that the firm foundations for future success are now in place and hopefully Okehampton can continue their recent run of form to end the season strongly, finish in the top five, and be in position to mount a promotion challenge next season. l Next up is a home league game against relegation threatened Wessex in a fortnight's time.
