Cornwall and Devon League Okehampton 1st XV 22 Wessex 1st XV 17 THOSE looking for a little excitement on Saturday afternoon should have made their way to the Showfield. Okehampton snatched a vital league victory with the last play of the match much to the delight of the vociferous home support. Wessex arrived in form, and fancying their chances of a victory. Okehampton have only one league win so far this season but were yet to play at home. Okehampton started up the slope and their smaller forwards soon demonstrated excellent technique. They supplied regular clean ball, and from a hopeful cross kick, rapidly improving young winger Tom Powell rose well to take it cleanly, before breaking the attempted tackle of his opposite number to cross for a poacher?s try wide out on the right. Okehampton led 5-0 and they were reasonably comfortable until their defensive Achilles heel was exposed with a try wide out for the pacy visiting full back. Home fly half Brimmacombe added a penalty for the Okes to put them 8-5 in front with half an hour gone. Then the Exeter-based visitors struck back with a well worked catch and drive lineout move that resulted in a converted try to give them a 12-8 lead at the interval. Okehampton had the advantage of the slope in the second half and knew they had to secure victory in this home game against their mid table rivals. From more good ball, won diligently by the pack, scrum half Bickle sensed an overlap on the blind side. The ball was shipped to winger Gary Sizmur who had the composure to supply a fine inside pass to supporting flanker Rob Phillpott ? he crossed under the posts for an excellent try that gave the home side real belief. The conversion was successful; and the balance tipped in Okehampton?s favour as they led 15-12 entering the last quarter. Just as Okehampton began to sense a home victory, disaster struck. Weak midfield defence allowed a break through the home rearguard and a long pass enabled the Wessex full back to cross in the corner for his second try. Time was running out, and so were the home side?s attacking ideas. The whistle was about to blow when Okehampton mustered one last attacking thrust. The forwards drove into the heart of the visitors? defence and the ball was moved wide to full back Dave Wills. He was stopped just short, but hooker Bruce Griffiths demonstrated excellent support play and crossed for the winning try. Brimmacombe?s conversion was successful, the ref?s whistle blew and the home crowd rejoiced. This was a vital win for the hosts - home form will be the key to survival this season. This Saturday heralds the visit of free scoring Wadebridge for a cup encounter. Although victory is not as important as a league win, a good performance will ensure current confidence is maintained.
