Devon & Cornwall League

Okehampton 1st XV 60

OPMs 1st XV 0

YET another scorching day, and a red hot performance from an Okehampton side that laid down a marker for the rest of the league campaign. Against a full strength side that had defeated high flying Bideford the previous week, the home side were missing leading points scorer Lee Carey but produced a vibrant attacking display that swept the opposition away.

Playing uphill, the home side began apprehensively. The visitors had a brief period of pressure and possession, but never really threatened, and their afternoon got worse from then on. Okehampton got into their stride and it was not long before full back Gareth Espin had made an incisive insertion and put Luke Honeychurch over for the first score. The centre, acting as replacement place kicker also slotted a fine conversion and it was 7-0.

It was not long before the second score arrived. A penalty was awarded and scrum half Joey Bruce sensed disorganisation in the visitors' defence. He tapped smartly to himself and broke clear for the second try. Honeychurch converted again and also added another well struck penalty to stretch the Okes' lead to 17-0 at the interval.

As the second period started, victory already looked assured as the home side were dominant in all areas except the lineout, which again failed to function fully.

Almost straight from the kick a home side attack swept right and young winger Rob Fishleigh finished smartly wide out. Unconverted, the tray had taken the lead to 22-0 and it was now a case of damage limitation for the Plymothians who were starting to pick up injuries to make their situation worse.

Okehampton were in full flow, their superior fitness levels and technique ensured they were creating chances with regularity. Confidence was running high and the interplay and handling was delighting the home support.

Tries began to come thick and fast, the lively home back row got in on the act as Paul Lawrence, Simon Cox and No 8 Ali Mason all touched down. Mason's try straight off the training ground from a well worked line out move.

Replacements were also playing their part for the Okes and the first appearance of the season for player coach Brett Luxton visibly lifted the side for a final assault on the scoreboard.

The attacks continued to come thick and fast and the visitors were stretched to breaking point. The home side's points difference was boosted as another try came for the quick stepping Espin, who had been a thorn in the opposition's defence all afternoon. It was quickly followed by a beautiful score, finished in fine style with a lovely step off the right foot from right winger Fishleigh.

Throughout this barrage of scoring, Honeychurch was continuing to pile up the conversions and entering the closing minutes the score had now passed the half century, and at 53-0 up Luxton' forceful forays set up another attacking platform. It was flanker Cox who as usual was in close support, and he crossed for the ninth and final try. Again Honeychurch slotted the conversion and at 60-0 the final scoreline was a very pleasing one.

So another fine home victory, now lying second in the table this young Okehampton side are making real progress. They played with attacking intent, but their defence was also strong for the entire 80 minutes. With players still to return, the future looks bright. A tough test ensues with the visit of Bideford in a fortnight's time.