Western Counties West League
Okehampton 26
Tiverton 17
THIS match was in complete contrast to last week's flowing performance as the Okes ground out another vital win, this time against experienced Western Counties campaigners Tiverton.
The weather conditions did not exactly bode well for a fast flowing game of the type this young side prefer. The strong downfield breeze was consistently punctuated by swirling rain showers, which meant the Okes had to battle for a victory that keeps them in third place in the table.
The Okes played with the elements in the first half and within a minute of the kick off confusion abounded in the Tiverton 22 and a botched clearance attempt from their outside half came into the possession of scrum half Joey Bruce. He showed swift speed of thought to spot a gap and burst through it to cross under the posts for the opening score. Fly half Carl Poynton converted and Oke were 7-0 up.
However the Okes lost some momentum as Tiverton swiftly replied with a well struck drop goal from their fly half Atkins. The East Devon visitors were to prove a wily side throughout the game as they made life difficult for the Okes at the breakdown, whilst also marshalling Oke's pacy back line effectively.
Oke created some pressure in the bottom right corner and Tiverton were forced to concede a series of five metre scrums. Each time they managed to disrupt or infringe on Oke's progress towards the line. Eventually the referee gave a penalty try to the hosts which was once again converted by Poynton to go 14-3 up.
Poynton kept the scoreboard ticking over with two more penalties that left the half time scoreline at 20-3.
Tiverton started the second period brightly and were rewarded with a penalty kick from full back Cockram. He was soon to add another to further reduce the margin and Oke were starting to struggle to impose their game on the visitors.
The Okes created some territory and were grateful to fly half Poynton as he slotted another well struck penalty as the weather began to worsen.
The home side's pack were gaining ground and another penalty was awarded as the visitors continued to infringe. Once more Poynton was on target and the lead was stretched to 26-9.
However Oke slipped into their shells and began to concede penalties of their own. One was missed, but minutes later the visitors decided to run a quick tap penalty and slack defending allowed a half break which led to a scoring pass to winger Barney Bell as he slid over in the left corner. The conversion struck an upright and at 12 points the lead was retrievable.
Full back Cockram added another penalty but that was as good as it got for the visitors. The Okes kept their line intact for the rest of the last quarter but suffered a blow when flanker Cox was sent off in the dying minutes after an off the ball altercation.
This was a valuable win for the Okes and a victory when not playing well is always a useful one. The match also saw the side say farewell to back row stalwart Ali Mason who donned the maroon and amber for the last time before setting off for Australia. He was rewarded with a well deserved ovation from the crowd as they recognise the fierce commitment and drive that he has brought to the side over his years in the first fifteen. He will be sorely missed.
This week Okehampton have a tough away trip to fellow high flying promotees, Truro.