Devon and Cornwall League Okehampton 1st XV 11 Paignton 1st XV 7 OKEHAMPTON turned the form book upside down with another thrilling last-gasp win against in-form Paignton. The visitors had won by 60 points in their previous league match, while Okehampton had produced a dismal performance in their heavy away defeat at Honiton. Okehampton had six regular starters missing and this gave the chance for some new talent to be blooded — that proved to be the catalyst for this excellent victory. The opening period gave no indication as to what was to come. Okehampton struggled to escape from their own territory for long periods. Playing uphill against the elements they frequently missed touch, but kept their opponents out by defending much more resolutely than they had done last week. Centre Adam Curtis put in several bruising hits to repel regular charges up the middle by the visitors. Okehampton were securing good clean lineout ball and the scrummage was on top throughout the game, however, the visitors struck first with a score that came in strange circumstances. A fight broke out on the far touchline and several Okehampton players joined the melee. The referee had not blown his whistle and the Paignton fly half could not believe his luck as he strolled in unopposed in the midst of all the confusion. He converted his own try and the visitors were ahead 7-0, but had not really threatened the home line until this point. Referee Tim Rice sin-binned three players in the first period and this resulted in extended injury time. Okehampton held firm and were reasonably pleased to turn around only one score behind. Okehampton began the second half knowing the game was there to be won if they could put prolonged pressure on the visitors. This they did, and although they regularly turned over ball when in the attacking quarter, they were awarded several difficult penalty chances. For almost the first time this season they managed to punish opposition indiscretion by kicking their chances. New signing Martin Holgate, who produced a committed, enthusiastic debut, struck the ball beautifully to kick two fine penalties to bring the score to 7-6 to the visitors. Two more long-range penalties missed narrowly, but Okehampton, driven on by an excellent dogged performance by scrum half Phil Wale on his return to first team action, sensed victory. It looked like the chance might have gone, but Paignton lost two players to the sin-bin and one incisive home thrust could land a vital victory. With minutes remaining Paignton punted deep, full back Gareth Espin who showed great promise on his debut, opened up play and made a superb break, covering half the pitch. The ball flowed through hands and resulted in a fine match-winning try from pacy wing Tom Powell. The crowd erupted, and although the conversion was missed Okehampton were on the verge of a superb victory. The home side saw out the last couple of minutes and well earned points were secured. What a turnaround in seven days, the injection of new faces paid dividends and the defence improved massively from the previous Saturday. With regulars returning this week selection will prove a welcome dilemma as the side is chosen to play St Austell at home in another vital league match. If Okehampton maintain this form they can hopefully grow in confidence and steadily climb the league table.
