Devon and Cornwall League

Okehampton RFC 58

Plymouth Albion Oaks 0

THIS week saw Okehampton at home for the last time this season, as they entertained visitors Plymstock Albion Oaks in the penultimate match of their league campaign.

The Okes knew that two more victories would assure promotion and there is still an outside chance of going up as champions.

The visitors had no intention of rolling over as they battled manfully for the full 80 minutes. Okehampton started down the slope but were unable to totally dominate the early exchanges as Plymstock obtained enough possession and territory to frustrate the home side in their bid for a huge score.

The Okes took the lead early though as a neat chip ahead from scrum-half Joey Bruce was gathered by fly-half Gary Sizmur who crossed for his first try of the afternoon. This was followed fairly quickly by a score from the ever reliable Simon Cox, whose swift feet saw him score on the end of a well worked lineout move. Wing Lee Carey converted both these scores before getting in on the try scoring act himself after a fine individual run.

Okehampton were comfortable and the victory was never in doubt.

The home side did manage one more score before the interval though as they finally began to move the ball wider; Gary Sizmur again was in support on the end of a backs move to cross for a try converted by centre Buzz Brimmacombe.

The second half began in much the same vein but as the game wore on the visitors began to visibly tire.

The Okes gained in confidence and particularly throughout the last quarter they moved the ball more effectively and began to create openings almost at will. Second half tries came at regular intervals, beginning with flanker Simon Cox who poached his second from a poor opposition line-out. Prop Nick Martin then showed good pace to run in from 20 yards and number eight Sam Turner profited from good possession with a second half brace. He was joined on the score-sheet by full back Gareth Espin who crossed in the clubhouse corner, and Buzz Brimmacombe with a fleet footed solo score.

Play was held up after two of the visitors were treated after a nasty looking head collision and the referee appeared to blow early for time as the visitors wilted under the pressure of constant attacks from the home side.

• The Okes now travel to Falmouth next week for the last league match knowing that a win will assure them of at least second place and promotion to Western Counties for the 2009-10 season.