Western Counties
Okehampton 26
St Ives 13
OKEHAMPTON produced an emphatic win and lifted their league status five places.
A good performance was demanded and the players responded by training well and approaching the fixture fully focused.
Arnie Searle began the scoring with a scything run through the centres which he converted and affirmed Okehampton's intention to run the ball and control the game.
Searle showed some brilliant individual skills to score again to lead 12-0.
St Ives recovered briefly to slot a penalty, but following sustained pressure early in the second half Andrew Murphy finished off a good passage of play to score under the posts for Searle to convert.
St Ives fought back strongly but had to settle for another penalty.
David Bickle put the game well beyond doubt with a timely pickup and blistering run through the middle to score . It was converted, again by Searle.
St Ives managed a consolation try in the last minute of play. But Okehampton ran out worthy winners and displayed renewed belief in their ability and purpose.
l Action from the game is pictured — Okehampton have the ball (above) and wait to collect (below).