Okehampton 28

South Molton 20

OKEHAMPTON Rugby Club's first team made a positive start to the new season with a well earned away win.

Okehampton started briskly with some impressive fast ruck play, resulting in a penalty in front of the posts, duly taken by Arnie Searle.

Ally Mason at number 8 had an exceptional game and was rewarded with a driving score soon after; the conversion followed.

A further penalty was successfully taken for Okehampton.

A lapse of concentration, however, allowed South Molton to get back into the game and the half-time score of 13-10 meant that everything was to pay for in the second half.

The second half saw some excellent defensive work and the best passage of play, when after two decisive rucks fast ball was created to allow the back line to flow, resulting in Jamie Hoggins scoring a copybook try on his debut for Okehampton.

The conversion, followed by a further penalty and a determined run by Greg Vick from fly half brought the score to a respectable 28-13.

Okehampton failed to capitalise on the sin-binning of the South Molton number 4 when the game could have been put beyond reach. South Molton dug deep though, and scored again in the later stages.

Okehampton played by far the best rugby of the day and save for some unnecessary turnovers and lapses in concentration could have won by more.

A creditable first outing and league points secured. The potential of the team is enormous.