IN freezing conditions, the Okes failed to produce anything to warm the hearts of their home supporters in the Western Counties West clash against rivals Tavistock.

The 10-3 win was a boost to relegation threatened Tavistock, who won the derby clash for the first time in many seasons. As one of the few matches not affected by the weather, a healthy crowd was present to witness a game with plenty of effort, but little guile.

The Okes have now suffered consecutive home defeats, both to sides below them in the table, and with poor away records this term. However, there was little sign of the paucity of home efforts to follow, as the Okes side, still shorn of several regulars, began reasonably bright.

The early play saw both sides swapping possession before Tavistock had their first chance of points but Rich Goldsby-Wests kick at goal was wide,

The first flowing move from Tavistock came as quick ball from scrum half Dave Goodspeed enabled backs Dougie Lloyd and Willy Gibbs to break but the final ball to Ben Hadfield was forward and the move broke down. An injury to second row Joe Elliot meant reorganisation in the pack but this did not affect Tavistock and the pack drove into the Okehampton twenty two before a chip through rolled out.

The first ten minutes were all Okehampton as they started powerfully up the slope, and entered the Tavistock 22 with a concerted period of pressure. A score seemed inevitable, and it should have arrived with the award of a penalty bang in front of the posts. What followed was the first of many poor decisions that the home side made in a truly forgettable performance. Instead of taking the gift wrapped three points, against the elements, a quick tap was taken and immediately knocked on to relieve the pressure for the gleeful visitors. This set the tone, and from that point forward Tavistock had much the better of the first half.

It was no surprise therefore when the visitors took the lead 15 minutes in.

Tavistock's first try resulted from the subsequent drop out as Willy Gibbs fielded and moved forward to set up a ruck. Quick ball enabled Rich Goldsby-West to break. His pass to Dougie Lloyd saw him chip the ball down the line and his chase and further hack on enabled him to get the touchdown for the opening score.

The home side were surprisingly lacklustre and devoid of passion. The home lineout were in disarray and this allowed Tavistock to gain plenty of possession which they kicked wisely for territory.

The home side hit back but mishandling let them down in the Tavistock twenty two. A kick into the home twenty two saw them clear, but Dan Oner picked up the loose ball and charged into twenty two. From the resulting ruck, and with the referee playing advantage, the ball was swept wide for Ben Hadfield to touch down in the corner to increase the Tavistock lead.

The Okes did reduce the arrears before the interval though, as the vistors lost a prop to the bin for infringing too often. Home fly half Carl Poynton popped over the resultant penalty to give the hosts some hope as they hit the break 10-3 down, with the encouragement of the slope to come in the second half.

What followed in the second half was worse than the fare the home side served up in the first. Despite dominating territory and securing a decent amount of ball, the Okes failed to threaten the scorers as Tavistock defending manfully against a side lacking in ideas and unable to handle in cold, but reasonably dry, conditions. Okehampton huffed and puffed, and did get several decent shoves on at scrum time. Too often though the wrong option was taken or a handling error ensued.

Fly half Poynton missed a penalty chance midway through the half, but the Okes threatened little. Tavistock's back row were quicker to the breakdowns and their number 10 used the boot to relieve pressure on numerous occasions. The Okes also showed a lack of discipline at times, and were marched back ten yards at penalty awards on no less than four occasions for pointless back chat.

Into the last ten minutes Okehampton pushed for a levelling score, but they failed to conjure an opening as the confidence visibly drained from the players and supporters alike. Tavistock held on comfortably, and ran out deserving winners in a game that was always going to be won by the side that wanted it more.

The visitors put up a tremendous defence display to close out the game for a vital win.

So back to the drawing board for the Okes who are rapidly sliding down the table, and in a bad run of form. After last week's creditable effort at St Austell, this performance and result were not expected, but just show that without , commitment and confidence, things can soon go badly awry.

n On Saturday the Okes are away to Wellington, kick-off 2.30 pm in the league while Tavistock are home to Penryn, kick off 2.30pm.