Okehampton Thirds 51
Bideford Thirds 19
IT WAS back to business at Bideford on Saturday on a remarkably dry pitch considering the previous few weeks of rain.
To even up the sides Okehampton lent two players to make it 14 versus 13. The Acorns were only able to do this due to Dougie Taylor inviting three guest players.
Okehampton started well, running at the opposition and braking through tackles. After five minutes quick ball along the back line Winger Adrian Curtis scored in the corner.
Good possession from the forwards at set piece scrummages and second phase allowed the backs to continue to run at the opposition and tries followed in quick succession.
Fly half Richie Camis added three conversions on a difficult kicking day that took the score to 31-0 at the half-time whistle.
Okehampton were under pressure at the restart and conceded a forwards driving try which was converted. The visitors' pack were still asleep when Bideford scored their second.
Okehampton's pack picked up their own game after this and hit back with a try. Gerry Ovens was elated on scoring his first of the season.
Bideford were battling and after good forward driving and rucking, scored their third try, which was also converted.
As time was running out, captain Rob Ewen made the most of a good pass in a tight situation and opened up a gap to run through the full back to score. There was still time for Curtis to get his second try of the game just prior to the final whistle.
A pleasing result after two weeks off with everyone making a good contribution, it was good to welcome back Paul Penna, who had his usual sound game in the front row.
Adam Holiday should be fit to return next week at fly half releasing Richie Camis back to his favoured position of centre.