Devonports Services Colts 8

Okehampton Colts 31

AN away game at Services can always be relied upon to provide a stern test so for Okehampton to come away with a bonus point win would suggest a comfortable afternoon for the Okes but this was a classic case of the old cliché 'a game of two halves.'

The visitors came out of the blocks to establish early advantage and while having the upper hand in most aspects superiority proved elusive notably due to the frustration of giving away a series of slack penalties that allowed the hosts to relieve pressure.

Entering the second part of the half the Okes eventually asserted themselves when Josh Bickliegh finished off a series of phases by scampering over on the wide left . Unfortunately inside centre Chris Swash had to leave the pitch with an ankle injury forcing the back line to be rejigged.

With the first score on the board the visitors relaxed and started to play the rugby they are capable of. Looking comfortable with ball in hand Jake Barber on the wing showed impressive pace and power to finish off crossing the line wide on the right with Billy Searle adding the extras.

Searle was soon in action again providing a well timed pass for the strong running Jordan Cornthwaite to finish off an excellent phase of play for the third try. Jake Johns rounded off the first half with some good support play for the fourth try which was again converted by Searle. The hosts replied with a penalty.

Having established an emphatic first half advantage lack of communication saw support functions fail with many turnovers and unforced errors not helped by an ever increasing penalty count.

The Services lads compete vigorously and got their just rewards with a try. This brought a temporary wake up call for the Okes who worked their way up field for centre Luke Dennis to run hard through mid field to go in under the posts for the bonus point try which Searle converted.

The bonus point reaffirms the Okes position at the top of the merit table.