Western Counties West

Okehampton 38

Withycombe 32

OKEHAMPTON?s revival in form continued at Oaklands on Saturday with a nail-biting victory over promotion-chasing Withycombe.

Okehampton started brightly, playing up the slope but with a keen wind at their backs. The first points were put on the board by Arnie Searle who converted a penalty from some 40 metres out which went over off an upright.

A few minutes later and Okehampton increased the lead to ten points. Following a chip into space by Okehampton scrum half Bickle and a fumble by the Withycombe full back, the ball was retrieved by Gary Carey who ran in virtually unopposed to score near the posts. This was converted by Searle.

Okehampton then began to take things easy and the pendulum started to swing Withycombe?s way. Some inconclusive midfield defence led to a scrum being awarded to Withycombe close to the line, which they controlled well to score close to the posts, although the relatively simple conversion was missed.

Withycombe were next to score following a flowing passing movement when they went over in the corner. Again the conversion was missed to leave the scores at 10-10.

Okehampton?s defence began to look a little ragged and with Withycombe running the ball at every available opportunity following another five-yard scrum another try was scored. This was converted.

Okehampton reasserted themselves. Following a foray into the opposition 22, Graham Sage was high tackled after the receipt of an inside pass and a penalty was awarded in front of the posts which Searle duly converted.

Withycombe then started to throw the ball about again and a good break by their centre led to another try in the corner.

Shortly before half-time, following a five-metre scrum, Searle appeared to be driven over and touched the ball down for a good try although the referee did not see it and awarded another five-yard scrum. Justice was done when the ball was spun out to Buzz Brimacombe who chipped ahead, collected his own kick and scored a good try which was converted by Searle.

The half-time whistle blew with the score Okehampton 20, Withycombe 22.

Okehampton regained the lead shortly after the restart when following a good drive from Alistair Mason the ball was set back and Withycombe came around offside. A penalty was awarded which was converted by Searle to make the score 23-22.

Withycombe came back following a chip ahead which was not dealt with by the defence, resulting in a simple score which was converted to make the score 29-23 in Withycombe?s favour.

After the restart a long kick by Searle was followed up by substitute David Willis and an infringement by Withycombe led to another penalty opportunity which was converted to make the score 29-26.

A penalty was then awarded to Withycombe which was converted to make the score 32-26.

Richard Camies was the next scorer for Okehampton, crashing over following a succession of penalties, and the try was again converted by Searle to make the score Okehampton 33, Withycombe 32.

Withycombe piled on the pressure in the final minutes but Okehampton?s resolute defence held well, buoyed by some vociferous home support.

In the dying moments a fine move deep in Withycombe territory following the opening of play by scrum half Bickle led to the ball being moved through numerous pairs of hands with Wills coming in at speed and making it available.

From the second phase Ian Scrivenor crashed over in the corner to make the final score Okehampton 38, Withycombe 32.

To complete an excellent day for the club the Colts XV had a fine 30 points to 5 victory over their Ivybridge counterparts.