Western Counties West
Okehampton 25
St Ives 32
AN under-strength Okehampton, due to injury and unavailability, made the long journey to St Ives hoping to grab another two valuable points.
Ally Mason opened the scoring in the fourth minute but St Ives levelled two minutes later.
The match-plan to play the ball wide rather than get embroiled on a forward tussle, due to so many forced changes to the pack, came unstuck when the ball did not come to hand as early as anticipated.
A well taken try by Graham Sage regained the lead for Okehampton. However, continuous pressure from the St Ives forwards resulted in a try plus a further converted penalty try to take St Ives clear.
An Arnie Searle penalty saw the half-time score stand at 19-13.
St Ives extended their lead early in the second half.
A spirited display by Okehampton followed, though, with David Bickle 'named man of the match' passing forward with a quick penalty and trying to release his backs.
Midway through the half Okehampton did hit back with two quick tries, one by Andrew Dare on the wing and another by Searle which he duly converted to reduce the deficit to a single point.
Whoever scored next was going to take the match and the luck and refereeing decisions went to St Ives with two easy penalties.
Considering the circumstances it still proved to be a fine game and the personnel drafted into the re-arranged side almost did the job for the club
Hopefully, Okehampton will be at full strength again this weekend for the home match against Tiverton.