Western Counties West
Okehampton 23
Bideford 10
OKEHAMPTON went into this game following four losses out of four in the league and against a newly promoted side riding high in the table with four straight wins — if this was to be the occasion to kick-start the season players and supporters alike knew it would require a vast improvement on performances from recent weeks.
But a vast improvement there was, with a number of key players returning from injury and showing a greater desire to win the home side collected the much needed two points.
Bideford started the stronger, capitalising on some poor tackling to record the first touch down of the game. This was duly converted and three points added soon after via a penalty stretching the visitors out to a 10-point lead.
It was the rejuvenated Okehampton pack that then led the fightback with some good loose play and powerful mauling allowing Ian Scrivener to take the physical route over the line.
Another try followed this time courtesy of the backs, with centre Dave Muggliston kicking ahead for fly half Bickle to touch down. Both tries were converted by Arnie Searle along with a long-range penalty goal effort from behind the halfway line, making the half time score 17-10 in Okehampton's favour.
The second half required a huge defensive effort from the home side with the visitors spending long periods of time encamped on Okes' line. But the determination to record a victory was evident with Bideford prevented from recording any second half points.
Victory was sealed via the boot of Searle, who slotted a brace of penalties awarded after good forays into the opponents' half.
Okehampton will need to continue their form into this week's league fixture against St Austell at home if they are to start to make an impression on the Western Counties League table.