Devon & Cornwall League

Minehead Barbarians First XV 12

Okehampton First XV 20

AFTER a weather induced three week break, there were always likely to be signs of ring rustiness in this performance. The Okes travelled to Somerset for their maiden fixture on the infamous sloping pitch hoping for another two points to keep them in the top half of the table.

On a surprisingly firm surface, Okehampton took a long while to get to grips with the pitch. Indeed it wasn't until the final quarter that they approached anything like the kind of form they have shown during this season's better performances.

Early play was as scrappy as expected given the recent lay off and playing conditions. Okehampton were looking forceful at scrum and maul time, but were failing to kick effectively and not spreading the ball up the slope when the opportunities arose.

The home side were operating a limited game plan and looked to use local knowledge through a predominately kick and chase tactic. Okehampton eventually forged into the home twenty two and were driving the opposition backwards at a five yard scrum. A penalty advantage was given but Carl Poynton showed poise and precision to deliver a crossfield kick that bounced into the arms of winger Rob Fishleigh for the game's first try.

Poynton added an exquisite touchline conversion, and with a quarter of the match gone the visitors led 7-0. Another Poynton penalty rebounded off the upright shortly after as Okehampton continued to boss possession but failed to put more points on the board.

The game was approaching the interval when the home side had their best spell of the match. They forced a series of close range scrums and after being repelled by the Okes on numerous occasions, they eventually found a crack in the visitor's rearguard. The home full back hit a gap and Okehampton failed to prevent him grounding the ball under the posts for an easily converted score right on the half time whistle.

Okehampton turned around and were caught napping when the host's right winger was allowed to step inside for a soft try in the bottom right hand corner. Having conceded two tries in quick succession, coach Brett Luxton made multiple substitutions. This seemed to have the required effect as Okehampton began to up the pace and threaten the home defence by moving the ball wider and finding gaps in the outside channels. Carl Poynton added another well struck penalty to reduce the deficit to two points and as the game entered the final quarter, darkness descended with the game still hung in the balance.

Replacement half back Richard Friend was proving a powerful presence forcing the Barbarian's defence onto the back foot. Okehampton created a wonderful opportunity as Luke Honeychurch hared up the top touchline, the ball came back inside and with the try line beckoning, Okehampton forced one pass too many and the chance went to ground.

With less than five minutes remaining the home side gave away a penalty for crossing. From near half way, Poynton stepped up and nervelessly stroked the ball between the uprights for a slender one point lead.

The home side restarted and from deep within his own twenty two, full back Gareth Espin showed why he is so dangerous, as he tore through the home defence at pace and headed for the try line. He was tackled but was able to pop a pass to centre Luke Honeychurch, in excellent support, who crossed under the posts. Poynton converted and Oke finished with another valuable away victory.

An efficient showing; although Okehampton only showed true form in patches. They sit handily in the table even after only having played three of their eleven league matches at home.