EDF Senior Vase Okehampton 1st XV 20 South Molton 1st XV 3 IT is perhaps a measure of how expectations have risen in the last two weeks, that despite beating an established Devon and Cornwall League team by four tries to nil, Okehampton still came away thinking it could and should have been more. With all bar a couple of senior players now available, Okehampton produced enough possession and territory to have won by double the final score. They played up the Showfield hill first half and were soon into their stride. After ten minutes, one of the afternoon?s many clean lineout wins, followed by an impressive forward drive, resulted in an unconverted try for flanker Steve Alford. Okehampton started brightly, but as so many times this season, failed to build. South Molton had a spell of pressure in the Okehampton 22 and were rewarded with a penalty in front of the uprights, converted by their fly half. Leading 5-3 Okehampton had several opportunities to stretch their lead before half time, but a combination of wrong options and a staunch South Molton rearguard kept the rest of the half scoreless. Playing with the slope in the second half the Okehampton pack began to dominate. Even the scrum that had been on the retreat in the first period surged forward. Okehampton stretched their lead when a good box kick from scrum half Bickle was chased by pacy young winger Tom Powell. The pressure he applied resulted in loose ball that was gathered by open side Harry Bushin who successfully grounded the try. A good lineout move worked between Bushin and hooker Bruce Griffiths created the third try for Griffiths himself. The conversion was again unsuccessful and Okehampton led 15-3 midway through the second period. With a player sin-binned and carrying several knocks, the visitors were on the back foot. They were camped in their half and never really threatened the Okehampton line. But Okehampton failed to capitalise on their domination and only managed one more score. This time it came from stalwart centre Adam Curtis who had made good ground with his direct running all afternoon. He bullocked over with the last move to seal the victory and entry into the next round. A good win, but too many chances went begging and again the place kicking was a problem. On the plus side, the pack were impressive in their lineout and driving play. The defence was sound when required and the young members of the side are establishing themselves in the side. This Saturday it is back to the league with a tough trip to face the Camels of Wadebridge away from home.