Western Counties West

Bideford 16

Okehampton 17

BIDEFORD's 33 match winning run was ended by an Okehampton side keen to avenge last year's cup semi final defeat. Although Bideford had a chance to sneak the win, victory was fully deserved for an Oke aide that attacked with pace and defended with passion.

After a few years playing in deferent leagues, this local derby rivalry was renewed as promoted Bideford, high flying, unbeaten and top of the league, took on Okehampton on a beautiful warm October afternoon. A sizable crowd saw a fast open match that once again went down to the wire.

The hosts came out of the blocks with gusto; firm Oke defence saw the match scoreless after 15 minutes of both sides probing for weaknesses.

It appeared to be going against expectations as Okes' backs looked sharper, and Bideford's pack more forceful. With fly half Carl Poynton pulling the strings, the Okes' backs looked to attack out wide and they showed their paces after 16 minutes to create the opening score. The ball was moved left up the short side and, full back Gareth Espin scooted through the gap and outpacing the inside cover to cross under the posts for a fine try. Poynton converted.

The lead was a short lived one as the Okes needlessly tried to run ball from under their own posts and gave away a simple penalty chance for home fly half Wickett to gleefully kick three points. Five minutes later Wickett slotted another three pointer for Bideford to reduce the deficit to a single point after 25 minutes. Both sides then created chances, the Okes blew theirs from a rolling maul , Bideford taking theirs when burly hooker Starkey broke a couple of tackles to cross mid way out on the right flank. Wickett missed the extra two but Oke were now behind.

Oke continued to press and gained a five yard scrum right on the interval. The referee awarded a penalty to the hosts and the first period came to a close.

In the second half the introduction of hooker George Trerise for Okehampton soon paid dividends as both scrum and line out became more effective. Bideford were happy to rely on driving play around the fringes and the occasional fleet footed incursion from winger Olde. The Okes looked dangerous across their back line and clean phased ball after 55 mins gave the visitors chance to regain the lead. Fly half Poynton led the way as he arced on an outside break through the fragmented home defence. He timed the pass beautifully to his full back Espin, who in turn released to winger Rob Fishleigh who finished by the uprights for a classic backs score. Poynton converted and Oke had their noses in front.

Okehampton used the conditions sensibly as Poynton turned the home defence with use of the wind. The fly half then extended Oke's lead with a sweetly struck drop goal to stretch the lead to six points.

Managing to escape from their own line, a good passage of play saw Bideford enter Okes' 22. A penalty was awarded, and after a catch and drive, replacement back rower Dennis crossed with only minutes remaining. Fly half Wickett stepped forward to take the kick but failed this time as his effort drifted wide.

Soon after the referee blew the final whistle for a superb Okehampton victory. Good options, sharp back play and a desire in defence had proved key.

n This week Okehampton play Bude.