Okehampton Colts 13

Wadebridge 5

IN a friendly game against Wadebridge, Okehampton tried players in new positions.

With a squad of 20 available this gave individuals a chance to shine and without exception all of them did.

A strong competitive Wadebridge side tested the home team both in the forward battle and in the backs. Their abrasive tackling was superb and Mark Shields was bottled up in the centre when taking the crash ball. The forwards played intelligently only commiting to rucks if there was a chance of winning ball with good marshalling from scrum halves Sizmur and Quick.

Sam Turner had another outstanding game with strong cover tackling and good driving runs. A good variety of plays in the backline kept Wadebridge guessing but to their credit they kept tackling.

Pressure from Okehampton led to Wadebridge being penalised and Mark Shields opened the score putting Okehampton 3-0 up after 20 minutes. Wadebridge replied with turnover ball in their half being run blind and with the Oke full back in the ruck even the Okehampton cover tackling was not sufficient and Wadebridge scored an unconverted try in the corner on 35 minutes.

From the restart the Okehampton forwards drove on and through phases were stopped just short of the line. Chris Searle picked and drove taking 2 tacklers over the line for an excellent forward try converted by Mark Shields to end the half 10-5 in the lead.

The try before halftime was crucial and Okehampton certainly had the better of the second half with skilful interpassing between the backs with Chris Martin and Stewart Down showing beautiful finnesse with the ball in hand. Dean Beardon and Ben Woolams both made good breaks out wide but Wadebridge worked the drift defence well so Okehampton started to cut back inside on the switch and pressure brought penalties and more points from the left boot of Mark Shields. Set piece worked well for Okehampton with props Dutfield and Searle anchoring the scrum and the drive causing Wadebridge to get scrappy ball but their scrum half made the best of it and was difficult to control. These Okehampton Colts are improving individually and collectively after each.

Man of the match Sam Turner. This week home to Exeter Saracens kick off 2.30pm.