Western Counties
South Molton 11
Okehampton 15
OKES became only the second side this season to win a game at South Molton, the other being Ivybridge, the league champions.
Okes mentally, skilfully and physically dominated the home side and did not allow them to play. Yet again, the only disappointing facet of the game was Okes' failure to turn possession and territory into points.
The forwards produced good ball from all areas and this allowed half backs Cook and Bickle to play with control and variety, they in turn rewarded the forwards with fine individual performances.
The first half saw Bickle and Stoneman exchange penalties. Though Okes wasted numerous opportunities where chances were created from all areas of the field.
The second period opened with Bickle scoring a try from a good lineout, the move had been well rehearsed on the practice ground. He converted his own try then kept the home side deep in their own half with some clever kicks.
Offside at a ruck gave Stoneman another three points, then a wasted chance by Okes saw South Molton kick through. At the resulting lineout the home side mauled the ball over the line to touchdown.
The introduction of the mercurial Colin Ewen set the seal on this fine win. A solid scrum, several rucks and a good change of direction by Cook, put Ewen free, a step inside and then a sniff of the line produced the try.
Thanks go to Ian Scrivener's employers at the Manor for ensuring his presence at the match. He rewarded everybody with a fine performance to take the man of the match award.