The Welham Memorial Cup

North Tawton 0

Okehampton seconds 21

THIS was a real blood and thunder local derby at Taw Meadow, in which no quarter was asked for or given.

The home side that started the brighter and pressurised the Okes into numerous errors that helped keep them penned in the visitors 22. The Okes' defence held firm though and Tawton's best chance of points came from a snatched drop goal that thudded into the post. However, North Tawton's eagerness and indiscipline allowed Okehampton to ease the pressure as penalties were conceded and the visitors were able to mount their own attacks.

The Okes opened the scoring in the 15th minute when the ball was spun out from a maul and outside-centre Rickerby, reclaimed a juggle to ghost in at the corner. Poynton failed with the conversion.

The rest of the half became a war of attrition in midfield with some bruising tackles flying in as the home side showed their defiance and the visitors, profligate with their handling. With the final play of the half, Okehampton, on the attack were awarded a penalty following a high tackle and Poynton slotted it with aplomb.

A score of 0-8 at half-time soon became 0-11 as Poynton potted another penalty minutes after the restart although he missed a second penalty a minute later. Poynton did increase the lead to two scores in the 53rd minute and Okehampton looked to be in total control. Tawton had different ideas though as they enjoyed their best period of the game. Deep inside the Okes' 22 they were twice held up over the line but some resolute defence kept them at bay and again it was Tawton's over-eagerness that allowed Okehampton to clear their lines thanks to a penalty.

Okehampton reasserted themselves and some wonderful runs from Carey always kept Tawton on the back foot. The victory was sealed in the 70th minute when Poynton broke through the defensive line to dot down to the right of the posts and he duly added the extras.

The game was then seen out in the home side's half as the Okes comfortably kept control of the ball for a hard fought victory.