Devon & Cornwall League

Falmouth RFC 0

IT was mission accomplished for the Okes as they achieved their pre season aim of promotion into Western Counties for next season.

Okehampton travelled to Falmouth knowing that the chance of winning the league title was out of their control, all they could do was amass as many points as possible and await news from Crediton where leaders Penryn were ultimately victorious and thereby took the top spot.

It was a beautiful sunny afternoon and Okehampton produced rugby to match the conditions as they overwhelmed their young, inexperienced hosts and dominated all facets of play throughout.

Falmouth did start the game in committed fashion though and were competing gamely during the opening salvos.

It took the Okes' 15 minutes to open the scoring, but once the first try came, others followed thick and fast.

The opening score came from scrum half Joey Bruce who saw space at the side of a ruck and seized the opportunity to snipe in for a five pointer. This was quickly followed by a score for winger Tom Powell who crossed on the end of a backs handling move.

Fly half Gary Sizmur, who was efficiently elusive all afternoon, crossed for the next score after gathering a loose ball and running it in from distance.

The final score of the half came from full back Gareth Espin who eluded several despairing defenders en route to a fine individual score.

Successful conversions in the first period of the second half came from Sizmur and centre Luke Honeychurch made it 26-0 at the break to the visitors.

Two sin binnings didn't help the home sides' cause and the second half was to prove a painful one for them as Oke began to run riot. Three tries from Rob Fishleigh, Steve Alford and Lee Carey set the pace for the remainder of the half.

By now Oke were supremely confident and running the ball from all areas of the pitch, some of the interplay was highly impressive. Flanker Simon Cox added two more tries to the increasing total.

Number eight Steve Alford was the next as he crossed on the left after another lovely handling movement that sucked in the home defence completely. There was still time for two last scores as fly half Sizmur and Gareth Espin. Centre Luke Honeychurch added five conversions to inflict the biggest home defeat of Falmouth's season.

The final whistle went and Oke rejoiced to a man as they reaped the rewards of an excellent season's work.

This was the end to a fantastic league season for the Okes who gain promotion back to Western Counties after an absence of six years.

Full credit must go to all involved; players, coaching team and committee alike. The benefits of a thriving youth set up and a strong colts side is now bearing fruit and the club can look forward to a new but very testing challenge ahead in the coming season.