Okehampton U15 XV 5 Bideford U15 XV 0 BIDEFORD are the most improved team in the county this season and provide a stiff challenge especially in the forwards where they are both big and strong. From the kick off the visitors took the game to the Okes straight away and were stopped short of the line only as a result of some last ditch tackles. Having weathered the storm the home side gradually started to gain control. The game plan was to run the legs off the big visiting forwards and in terms of spinning the ball wide the Okes made ground and gained turnover ball as a result of having greater numbers at the break down. On-going pressure saw the home side camped in the Bideford half and, having forced their way close to the line, Richard Barrington broke from the back of a ruck to force his way over in the corner for an unconverted try. With the backs looking threatening, the Okes continued to maintain the pressure. Jamie Dart made some telling jinking runs and fellow centre Josh Moshman cut some great angles to break the gain line in addition to some crunching hits in defence. The forwards were maintaining their discipline in keeping possession away from their larger opponents, and with the ball being spun wide together with Rob North?s probing kicks, the possession advantage and constant action began to take the sting and steam out of the visitors. The Okes spent much of the remainder of the half camped in the Bideford half. The second half continued in the same vein but towards the last quarter of the game the Bideford forwards began to take matters into their own hands, adopting a close play approach with a succession of mauls in the middle third of the field. While making significant ground with this tactic, including being held up over the try line, Okehampton?s Barrington, Wonnacott and Thomas often managed to get hands on the ball to earn the turn over. Barrington in particular was a constant thorn in the visitors? side. Despite determined efforts Bideford failed to offer any further serious threat to the Okes? line with the home side running out deserved winners in a physical and hard-fought match. Man of the match: Richard Barrington. This week : Barnstaple away.