Western Counties West

Burnham-on-sea 27

Okehampton 7

THIS was another disappointing result as Oke came off second best after their maiden trip to play Burnham who after restructuring, have this season been added to the Western Counties West division.

It is now four defeats on the trot for this Oke side who are experiencing 'second season syndrome' as they try to maintain a comfortable mid table league position.

On a lovely autumn afternoon and on a big flat, wide pitch, conditions should have suited an Oke side whose strengths lay in moving sides around, while their hosts are renowned for a powerful forward based game plan.

Things didn't start to well for the Okes as they conceded an early score. Less than ten minutes had elapsed when the home pack demonstrated their intent and pattern of play with a rolling maul that ultimately ended in a try which went unconverted but should have given Oke warning of what was to follow.

The Okes struggled to win and keep possession in the early exchanges but were not behind for too long.

The visitors replied after 15 minutes when they moved the ball left to winger Callum Ausden who showed good pace and strength to round his opposite number to cross for his maiden first team score. Fly half Carl Poynton added the extras.

Unfortunately the Okes continued throughout the remainder of the match to try to attack through forward stacked channels and not out wide where the opportunities to score were far greater.

The home side continually pinned Oke back into the 22 using the wind advantage and as they struggled to obtain any forward parity, Oke were on the defensive for long periods.

Two more similar forward based tries followed for the hosts as the Okes struggled to contain the home pack. With a penalty added for good measure Okehampton were behind 20-7 at the interval.

In the second half the Okes were still making ground when they did actually stretch the home defence and with some decent line out ball being secured they were entering the home half. Skipper Ian Langbridge entered the fray and the scrums began to go the Okes way.

As Okehampton tried mistakenly to catch and drive the ball over from a series of close range lineouts, the official brandished a yellow card. The Okes were now down to 14, the pressure was relived and the game slipped away from the visitors. Despite having most of the second half play, the Okes showed inexperience as they failed to cross the whitewash.

The home side stretched their lead further when the home full back crossed for the fourth and final try. It was converted, and although the Okes hammered away for the last ten minutes, the game was over and even a losing bonus point was a distant dream.

Oke need to regain some confidence and have the initiative to use a game plan that suits them, not their opposition.