Devon & Cornwall League Okehampton 1st XV 18 St Austell 1st XV 5 PERHAPS expectation was too high after last week's win against a high flying side, but the fans and players were both disappointed after this error-ridden home victory. The visitors have only won one league match this season and arrived with a side shorn of several regulars. Okehampton were virtually at full strength but started ponderously, playing up the hill and allowed the visitors to feed off their numerous errors. The ball was often turned over and wrong options were taken. St Austell spent much of the first quarter on the attack and took the lead after 15 minutes. A series of forward drives resulted in an unconverted try that awoke Okehampton's players and supporters alike. Okehampton responded and their set scrummage dominated. Prop Billy Cloke, enjoying his comeback season, overpowered his opposite number and the home pack frequently drove the opposition backwards. The superiority in the set plays continued and from a scrum in the visitors' 22 a penalty try should have been awarded, but Okehampton had to settle for a penalty a couple of minutes later. Martin Holgate successfully converted it to put Okehampton 5-3 behind. Several other penalty chances were also missed as Okehampton improved slowly but the interval score remained unchanged. Playing down the slope, the Okehampton pack had ascendancy in all aspects. Unforced mistakes and turnovers cost them dear as the expected onslaught never quite materialised. Okehampton did take the lead early in the second period, though, when from a powerful scrummage, number 8 and skipper Ali Mason went over. The try was unconverted. Okehampton continued to dominate territorially and the visitors rarely threatened to enter the home side's half. It was left to flanker Steve Alford to seal the victory. He profited from two impressive driving mauls from the home pack with a pair of well taken tries. Again the conversions were unsuccessful, but Okehampton were now comfortable with an 18-5 lead. Unfortunately, the rest of the second half was scoreless, and the final whistle blew to muted celebrations. The failure to increase the margin of victory will be a disappointment to the home side. They will have to create more with possession when they visit South Molton, another team struggling near the bottom of the table, this week. But two valuable league points were gained and that is imperative in the fight to stay in this league.
