North Tawton 12
Okehampton Seconds 15
WITH a strangely depleted side, North Tawton took on Okehampton Seconds in this local derby.
Although not a game for connoisseurs, this was a highly entertaining match played in excellent spirit.
North Tawton took the lead in the opening minutes. Outside half Cass Stoddart made a strong run to set up a ruck, then No 8 Danny North, backing up, took an inside ball for a good try, converted by Stoddart.
After a period of sloppy play on both sides it was Okehampton who got their act together with some good possession and retention of the ball, to put North Tawton under pressure.
It was no surprise when wiry forward Paul Smerridge finished off a move to score an unconverted try in the corner.
Okehampton were now in the ascendancy and followed up with a try in the centre by Simon Griffiths, due to North Tawton's poor defence. This was converted to give Okehampton the lead for the first time at 12-7.
North Tawton, however, were not done and both sides of the interval they had their best spell of play, matching Okehampton with rucking and ball retention in open play and set pieces.
Against the run of play Okehampton slotted a Curtis penalty.
North Tawton came back strongly and after a series of good retention and driving from the forwards, Neil Peters at lock finished off with a good try to put the score 15-12 to the visitors.
North Tawton let a couple of penalty chances go begging to draw level but on balance Okehampton ran out deserved winners in this good old fashioned rugby game.