Western Counties West

Okehampton 40

Tiverton 10

ON a scorching afternoon Okehampton continued their unbeaten run with a clear cut victory over winless Tiverton. It was not a completely dominant performance; however the Okes backs were the difference scoring each of the home side's half dozen tries.

Oke played up the slope first half and despite not monopolising possession, managed to create all the clear cut openings of the first quarter.

Tiverton, prompted by a lively number nine, asked plenty of early questions without ever threatening the home whitewash. Oke gradually gleaned their share of possession and but for some slack handling, could have troubled the scorers earlier.

The first try came after a loose pass was picked up by centre Gareth Espin; he showed neat footwork to create an opening by the touchline as he ran around the defence for a solo try converted by fly half Kevin Dennis.

Tiverton soon replied with a penalty goal and were holding their own in attack, if not defence. Oke's second try of the half came after a fine counterattack, with full back Matty Dennis giving the scoring pass to centre Luke Honeychurch who stepped inside the last, despairing covering defender. Dennis converted and Oke led 14-3 as the interval arrived.

The heat was taking its toll on the players and Oke's lineout was a particular area of concern as it failed to function effectively for large periods. The scrum was again in the ascendancy however, as it created the next score. Number 8 Tom McGratton picked up at the base and despite initial hesitancy, showed enough awareness to feed right winger Rob Fishleigh who finished with customary aplomb. The conversion was missed.

Debutant colts winger Craig Dennis was involved in the build up to the next score making the initial burst before feeding Luke Honeychurch who was stopped just short. The supporting Kevin Dennis followed up to score the bonus point try and convert himself for a 26-3 lead. Tiverton scored a try of their own soon after a scrappy tapped ball from a defensive lineout allowed their open side to pounce and reduce the arrears.

The hosts did not panic. From a midfield scrum Tom McGratton fed scrum half Joey Bruce who timed a pass to the overlapping Fishleigh to perfection — changing direction in full flow he stepped inside the full back to cross under the uprights to leave fly half Dennis a simple conversion. There was still time for Craig Dennis to crown a confident debut with the final try. He showed fine speed and strength to cross in the bottom left corner to round off the scoring. Kevin Dennis slotted a fine conversion. The Okes now join Bideford at the top of the table.