Okehampton 36

Saracens 12

BACK to business at Oaklands on Saturday when a club XV based on the third team took on an under-strength Exeter Saracens second team.

After MAFF advice and committee agreement this was the first game in six weeks since the outbreak of foot and mouth in the area. Precautions were taken by placing disinfectant mats for vehicles and foot access.

The two sides were evened up by the inclusion of six first team squad members, three on each side.

In the first 20 minutes it was evident that the home side's skills were rusty, allowing Saracens to run in under the posts early on.

After a period of forward dominance up the slope Perry Vallance dived over for his first of three tries on the day.

A try by Charles Ewen in the first half and a conversion saw the score at 12-5 at the half time whistle.

Playing down the slope, Okehampton produced some good periods of rugby with the ball passing through several pairs of hands and quick ball from the ruck and maul. Vallance claimed two more this half and Ewen another one.

Graham Sage showed a clean pair of heels to score under the posts for Saracens, which was converted to take the visitors to 12 points.

After some forward pressure and two or three surges at the line, Brian Milford went over for a well deserved try.

On a day when perhaps levels of fitness were not what they should be Milford seemed to be everywhere. Two more conversions were added by Adam Holiday in the second half to make the score 36-12.

It is hoped to play more rugby at the club before the end of the season. It is likely that the games will be club teams, rather than 1st games. The first of these, it is hoped, will be played over the Easter weekend.

On Sunday the 19th a veteran's game between Okehampton and Devon veterans select XV will kick off at 1pm in aid of Clive Daniel's pending retirement. All are welcome, any one interested in playing should contact Rob Ewen 01837 54405.

A final date for your diary is the annual rugby club dinner scheduled for Friday May 5 at 8pm. All members old and young are encouraged to attend. The cost will be £12.50 per head. Please put your name down on the list in the club or call Rob Ewen or Adam Curtis.