Okehampton thirds 3
Newton Abbot thirds 0
OKEHAMPTON thirds gave away a stone and a foot away per man but this did not phase any of the Okehampton lads who attacked and defended - giving everything. Playing up the hill in the first half the Okes had to withstand early pressure from a big powerful pack.
Newton Abbot twice got to the Okes' try line but both times the home pack held firm. An injury to Okes' centre Tim Donovan forced a change and on came Mark Curtis, who used every ounce of his experience to marshal the young guys around him. It also left the Okes with no replacements but Bobby Bergoine, there to watch the game and carrying a pair of boots offered to sit on the bench but soon found himself in the thick of this tense and hard fought match following an injury to Max Sansom.
In the second half the Okes played down hill and had the lions share of territory and possession but could not quite find the killer ball that might have put the visitors under pressure. Newton Abbot were becoming frustrated and tried to run out of their 22 only to meet with a brick wall in the shape of Gary Carey.
With ten mins left Okehampton were awarded a penalty about 35 metres out in front of posts which skipper Ed Jones took the decision to take himself; the kick was perfect and sailed straight through the middle of the uprights to huge cheer from the crowd. This set up a tense final few minutes with the visitors throwing everything at the Okes — but the defence led by Paul Alford held firm to seal the victory.
This was a great result for the Okes and a special mention must be made to Alfie, Bobby Burgoine, Adam Holliday, Mark and Adrian Curtis who donned shirts for the first time in many a year, and they were well supported by Nick Gibbs, James Bird and man of the match Will Heard.
This victory keeps the Okes top of the league.