Okehampton Thirds 20

Exeter Saracens Thirds 12

CONTRARY to last week's report the final game of the Acorns' season was fittingly to be away against an Exeter Saracens XV.

Saracens have travelled to Oaklands on two occasions this season on re-arranged fixtures. This was to be closer than the previous games, with many Okehampton regulars not available.

Three of Okehampton Thirds were attending the memorial game for Dick 'Farmer' Dray on the Sunday at Launceston RFC, two games in two days being far too much rugby for ageing veterans Rob Ewen and Ken Pollard.

The match, a fiercely fought game on a rock hard pitch, saw tries from No 8 Chowen, centre Dave Watts and flanker Steve King. It was Steve's first senior try and was just reward for a player who has had a couple of excellent games toward the end of this season. Dave Wills converted one try and added a penalty to take the score to 20 points.

The win meant Acorns kept their unbeaten record for the season. The last game the team lost was against Crediton just after Christmas the previous year.

In a season where many clubs in the area found difficulty raising a third team, Okehampton were able to draw on a large pool of players to get a team out most Saturdays. On many occasions they were forced to play some senior second teams or the smaller clubs' first teams which makes the record even more pleasing.

In all, about 63 players represented the team throughout the season.

This was based on a group of regular players — the occasional veteran included — players coming out of retirement, young players and Colts, with the odd guest appearance from Dougie Taylor's mates.

Some of the younger players made their mark and moved quickly into the second team, Dave Wills and Ian Perrit being two particularly talented young players.

Rob Ewen, the Acorns' captain, thanked all who represented the side for their sterling efforts on the field. Also Adam Holiday and Perry Vallance for their assistance in getting teams out week in week out.

The third team player of the year is . . . you will have to attend the stag night on May 10 to find out!