Cullompton seconds 22

Okehampton seconds 39

THe warm and sunny conditions were perfect for running rugby although there was a strong diagonal wind blowing up the pitch towards the clubhouse corner.

The Okes played with the wind in the first period and it took only five minutes to for them to take the lead, when Joey Bruce scampered under the posts from 30 metres out.

Cullompton ran the ball at every opportunity to avoid having to kick into the strong wind. However, this was not paying any dividends as the Okes' midfield of Buzz Brimacombe, Peter Herrod-Taylor and Cameron Rickerby was knocking down everything that moved and the pack was winning plentiful ball when Cully failed to get to ground.

The lead was increased on 17 minutes when hooker Fishleigh junior evaded several defenders to score in the corner. Brimmacombe struck an immaculate conversion into the teeth of the wind.

Further first half tries were added by Rickerby and Herrod-Taylor as Okehampton continued to show the greater endevour while Cullompton had just a penalty and an interception try to show for their efforts making the interval score 26-8.

The second half started in a similar fashion and Brimmacombe was able to extend the lead with a simple penalty after the Okes' pack has forced Cullompton to offend following a sustained period of pressure.

The try of the game came when Okes' fly-half Brimmacombe put centre Rickerby through in midfield; he looped around to take the return pass and had the speed required to make it to the line himself.

Joey Bruce claimed his second try following some excellent inter-passing between forwards and backs although this was sandwiched between two consolation tries for the home side.

The final score of 39-22 perhaps slightly flattered the hosts who appeared to have underestimated the opposition and left their defensive skills at home.

Okehampton seconds showed solid forward skills combined with lively backs and a great deal of team spirit and commitment.

Two Colts, Simon Fellows and Paul Winthorpe showed skills and composure at senior level.