North Tawton 10
Okehampton Seconds 24
IN this second half of the local derby the game was hard but fair from the start.
Both sets of forwards tried to get the upper hand and for the first half-hour the game remained evenly balanced, only a Ross Lawerence penalty for North Tawton separating the sides.
Okehampton started to produce good runs by forwards and backs. However, North Tawton?s defence was up to the task with their tackling and clearing of the line and good kicks by full back Joe Fewings.
With successive try-saving tackles by outside half Phil Wale and winger Simon Fear Okehampton pressed but North Tawton held firm.
Outside half Wale made a great interception to put Charlie Ewing in the centre for North Tawton to crash over for a well deserved try under the posts. This was converted by Ross Lawerence to put the home side 10-0 in front.
But on the stroke of half-time Okehampton were awarded a penalty which Evan Rees slotted away to keep them in the game at 10-3.
After the break Okehampton pressed and North Tawton?s defence again had to be firm. But Okehampton?s forwards put together an excellent driving maul taking them down the pitch to North Tawton?s line, where their wing forward got the final touch down, converted by Evan Rees.
North Tawton made some changes with Mark Gibson on for Neil Peters and Rob MacBain on for Richard Lethbridge.
Before the changes could settle in Okehampton had a scrum on the line which the back row used well to give Simon Griffith his second try. It was again converted by Rees to give Okehampton the lead.
Patrick Esterhuizen came on for North Tawton winger Ross Lawerence.
The game was then made safe for Okehampton when ex North Tawton player Jamie Hoggins galloped through the midfield for a try, converted by Rees.
North Tawton are away this Saturday to Plympton Argaum in the league.