Launceston Castles XV 12

Okehampton Second XV 16

OKEHAMPTON?s impressive second string recorded another fine victory on Saturday in a hastily re-arranged fixture at Polson Bridge.

Originally Okehampton were due to travel to Sidmouth while Launceston were to play Taunton in the second XV merit table. However, both Sidmouth and Taunton cried off at the last minute, leaving Okehampton to make the short journey over the River Tamar.

Okehampton played up the slope in the first half and into the strong wind. Launceston?s pack was typically well drilled, recycling the ball effectively and providing their backs with an ample supply of possession.

However, this was almost invariably kicked away or alternatively the Launceston backs were pinned down by some resilient Okehampton defence.

The Okehampton forwards were by no means overawed by their well drilled opponents and defended as well as the backs, and eventually a supply of possession came their way.

It was after a sustained period of forward pressure that the ball was quickly moved to the blind side where fly-half Mark Curtis was able to bullock his way over in the corner to make the score Launceston 0, Okehampton 5.

This stung Launceston into action and following a lengthy period of forward pressure a series of mauls saw the Launceston forwards drive over near the posts. The try was converted to make the score Launceston 7, Okehampton 5.

After the restart Okehampton made better use of the elements than their Cornish counterparts. Following the ball moving through several pairs of hands in the backs an overlap was created which led to a large gap opening up in midfield for skipper Adam Curtis to cruise over near the posts.

The relatively simple conversion was missed to leave the score at Launceston 7, Okehampton 10.

Okehampton hit back almost immediately and spent the rest of the game camped in Launceston territory. This eventually led to two penalties being awarded, both of which were converted by full-back Dave Mugliston.

This was a hard earned but fully deserved victory which again shows the team spirit and commitment with the second squad.