Penryn first XV 7
Okehampton 1st XV 8
THERE is an old adage that any win in Cornwall is a good one — that was definitely the case on Saturday as Okehampton gained a priceless victory over the then league leaders, despite never really hitting top gear.
After a hard fought victory Okehampton now find themselves top of the league and in a great position to push on for promotion.
On a dry, but windy afternoon, Okehampton won the toss and elected to play up the slight slope and into the breeze.
Penryn dominated early exchanges as they came out of the blocks at great pace and the first few minutes were mainly spent in the Okehampton 22.
A combination of scrambling defence and errors by the home side enabled Okehampton to come through the first quarter unscathed and they gradually gained a foothold.
The home side missed a penalty chance and with scoring opportunities at a premium, a scoreless first period looked a distinct possibility. Then from a regulation lineout take by the home side, a half-break by their scrum half led to a direct running line from the home side's inside centre. Some uncharacteristic flimsy tackling allowed him to crash in under the posts for a converted score that gave the home side the lead and the home crowd something to cheer.
Okehampton dug in and soon had chances to reduce the deficit. Firstly a sharp breakout ended with fly half Gary Sizmur being hauled down just short, then a penalty chance from Luke Honeychurch unsuccessfully rebounded off the post.
Both packs were securing their own ball and with defences holding firm the interval was reached with the home side leading 7-0.
Okehampton turned with the elements in their favour and were expected to apply strong pressure, looking for the levelling score. It did not quite start like that as Penryn started the period on the offensive with the Okes insisting on using a slow pick and drive game.
This played into Penryn's hands as they securely defended the fringes and held onto their lead, despite tireless efforts in attack and defence by the outstanding back row pair of Ali Mason and Simon Cox.
As the game entered the last quarter Okehampton drove into the heart of the home side's defence and were dominating possession. A penalty was awarded, and Okehampton chose to go for posts. Honeychurch obliged with a three-pointer and with around ten minutes on the clock it was now 7-3.
Penryn failed to make ten metres from the kick-off and this allowed Okehampton to move downfield and create another attacking platform. Around three minutes were remaining when good lineout ball was secured on the left. Suddenly Okehampton did what they had failed to do all afternoon — move the ball wide and test the home defence in the outside channels. The best move of the match ensued as the ball was sharply shifted through the hands of the backline.
Full back Gareth Espin entered the line to create the overlap and his pin point pass reached winger Rob Fishleigh who gleefully ran unopposed into the right corner for a slick score that had the home fans devastated and the travelling Oke-hampton fans delirious in equal measure.
The last couple of minutes were nailbiting, with Okehampton even missing another penalty chance. The visitors saw the time out without too much worry and a famous victory was achieved.
l This Saturday sees the arrival of Somerset visitors Wellington; who themselves have been steadily climbing the table, kick-off 2.30 pm.
Okehampton 2nd XV 39
Honiton 2nd XV 0
THIS was another very convincing performance by Okehampton, in defence to start with to stop Honiton's early attacks, then in attack to produce some of the best rugby of the year so far.
There were good performances from Buzz Brimacombe, Sam Turner and Dave Wills, and tries by Mark Butler, Phil Harding, Lee Carey, Dave Wills, Simon Griffiths and Buzz Brimacombe. Brimacombe also kicked a penalty and three conversions.
With the match being stopped early by an injury to Okehampton's John Stevens, the next challenge for the seconds will be Exmouth next Saturday.