Devon & Cornwall League Okehampton 1st XV 8 Wadebridge Camels 24 THE scoreline does not fairly reflect the match. Okehampton produced a good all round performance at home against their high flying visitors who started the day second in the league. Okehampton, minus captain Mason, made a bright start up the slope, and their forwards, who consistently outplayed the heavier visitors' pack all day, drove time after time into the Wadebridge 22. But the home side struggled to find the invention to turn the pressure into points. Okehampton took the lead with a penalty kick from winger Holgate, but Wadebridge replied immediately. They visited Okehampton's half for virtually the first time in the match and scored wide out to take a 5-3 lead. Despite more possession and territory for Okehampton, Wadebridge showed they had the ability and willingness to attack from anywhere. When Okehampton turned possession over in the visitors' 22, they spread the ball quickly and a pitch-length move ended in a converted try to give the Camels a lead of 12-3. The score was completely against the run of play but proved yet again that it is not how much ball you win, but what you do with it that ultimately decides matches at this level. Okehampton drove again at the Wadebridge line and eventually flanker Steve Alford crossed for a well deserved score — all credit to the forwards again after a sustained period of fine driving play. The score was 12- 8 at half-time and for Okehampton, with the slope in their favour, the signs were good. The second period was more even in terms of possession and territory. Okehampton threatened to score twice after incisive running from winger Tom Powell and fly half Brimmacombe, but the Wadebridge full back pulled off two vital try-saving tackles to preserve their lead. Entering the last quarter it was still anyone's game. There was always a sneaking feeling that Wadebridge could cut loose at any time though, and they finally got the score that killed the game after a needless penalty award. Okehampton failed to play the game in the opposition half, and after a period of pressure the visitors' fly half went blind, a tackle was missed, and the lead was up to nine points. A final Wadebridge try just before the final whistle really flattered the visitors as Okehampton had been their match in virtually all aspects. The conversion was successful and the referee blew for time. Despite defeat, Okehampton can be proud of the way they took the game to the visitors. Too many times this season the Okes had only started to play at home when the game was already over. But on Saturday they started to play right from the first kick off. The pack were outstanding, and with more luck and better decision making an upset victory could have been achieved. This Saturday back to relegation rivalry as the firsts travel to St Austell for a game where a victory will surely ensure Devon and Cornwall rugby next season.
