Devonport Services 22
Okehampton 1sts 44
OKEHAMPTON Rugby Club had a resounding away win at Plymouth.
A few changes were enforced with Nobby White coming in for his first full game at prop this season. He acquitted himself admirably, giving the pack a strong platform from which to work.
Colin Ewen also made his return to the 1st team for the unavailable Graham Sage.
Greg Vick opened the scoring with fingertip control, followed by another try under the posts and converted by Arnie Searle.
At 12-0 and with two opportunities missed Okehampton looked well on the way to overwhelming the opposition.
Devonport Services, however, did not lie down and took a quick throw-in and ran 75 metres against the run of play to score in the corner. With their big forwards controlling the possession they scored again and converted to make it 12-12.
The game then saw a see-sawing effect as Searle kicked a timely penalty to nudge Okehampton back in front.
Services snatched the lead for the first and only time to lead 17-15.
An unfortunate injury to Ian Scrivener saw the pack rearranged and Richard Drake entering the fray at flank and Simons going to second row.
After some firm words by the coach Okehampton again impressed their superiority with two fast tries by Jamie Hoggins. Okehampton then continued to press with another well worked try by Searle.
Devonport Services under siege on their own line were given a penalty and scored a mauling try in the corner.
Okehampton, however, had the last say with Steve Alford scoring under the posts with the conversion to follow.
Now well within injury time, Okehampton kept up the pressure as demanded and from the restart struck again, catching, driving forward and releasing quick ball in a whole team effort for David Mugliston to score on the left wing.
A well won encounter with forwards and back interlinking magnificently.