Devon & Cornwall League Okehampton 1st XV 15 Falmouth 1st XV 23 ANOTHER disappointing league defeat for the Okes. In a game against mid-table opposition the home crowd were hoping for a win that would move them further away from the three relegation places. Okehampton lacked impetus in the early stages, and despite playing down the slope, found themselves 6-0 down after conceding two early penalties. Home winger Martin Holgate reduced the arrears with a penalty to leave the score 6-3 midway through the half. A series of errors followed which typified the story of the match and of much of the early season problems. A penalty kick just outside the opposition 22 failed to make touch, nobody chased the kick, then after fielding a long punt from the opposition Okehampton handed an interception to the visiting centre to stroll in to stretch the lead to 13-3. Suddenly Okehampton started to play and the home pack began to dominate, particularly in the set scrum. An overlap was created and winger Holgate fed back inside to full back Espin who crossed for an unconverted score. Okehampton were on the attack, but it was Falmouth who had the last score of the half with another penalty on the half-time whistle. With a 16-8 deficit and playing uphill, the odds were against a home victory. But the pack refused to accept defeat and dominated the second half. With the majority of possession and the advantage up front, Okehampton employed a tight driving game to good effect. They were rewarded with a penalty try that brought them right back into the game, trailing 16-15 with a quarter remaining. But Falmouth made a rare foray into home territory. Okehampton had passion on their own line, when after one opportunity to clear their lines had already been squandered, they inexplicably tried a chip ahead which was gleefully gathered by the visiting centre to score a converted try that killed the match off. Okehampton had squandered a chance of victory and despite attacking the opposition try line incessantly for the last ten minutes were unable to score again. The whistle went and another winnable home match had ended in defeat. 'Winning ugly' is a phrase with which Okehampton must get acquainted. As this youthful side matures, it will hopefully become a habit. For now Okehampton can reflect on another good display by the pack, and be heartened that they have conceded no more ground to sides below them. This week a tough away encounter with Paignton awaits. RIGHT: Action from the game. Picture by James Bird