Western Counties West

Okehampton 1st XV 26

Penryn 1st XV 0

THE maroon and ambers bounced back in style after last week's disappointing defeat, producing a fine all round performance to 'see off' the visitors.

After the 15 minute mark the game burst into life. Young fly half Luke Simmons, returning to the first team fray, made a nice half break to spark the home side. Good support and associated hands followed through number eight Gareth Evans and finally Sam Turner who timed the last pass to perfection, allowing right winger Rob Fishleigh to slide over. Simmons converted.

Despite the visitors having the slope advantage, it was the hosts who had the upper hand in most facets during the first 40. Thirty five minutes had elapsed when player coach Evans picked up at the base of a wheeling scrum inside his own half and set off on a blind side charge.

Showing significant strength and stride, he galloped into the Penryn twenty two before drawing the last defender to put full back Gareth Espin in under the uprights. Simmons added the extras. In the five minutes of the half that remained it was the visitors who applied the pressure, knowing they needed a score to be in the game at the break after having slope advantage first up. However, a missed penalty kick and superb Okehampton defence, led by Rhys Palmer and Dean Abrams, ensured that the home line remained intact at the break.

As their second half began Penryn broke out from their own half, only to have the hosts turn the ball over and go immediately back on the offensive. A clever tactical kick behind the visitors by scrum half Gary Sizmur and an effective chase by full back Espin saw the Penryn full back fumble the ball. Ace poacher Rob Fishleigh was then on hand to gather the loose ball and cross behind the posts for Okehampton's third score only minutes into the second period.

Okehampton were using the slope to their advantage and were rewarded with a scrum twenty metres out. Scrum half Sizmur broke blind from the set piece and fed young left winger Lewis Taylor who ploughed over in the corner. Simmons missed for the first time but at 26-0 Okehampton were clear and have a valuable four try bonus point in the bag.

• League action resumes in a fortnight with a trip to Tiverton.