Wadebridge Camels 51

Okehampton seconds 14

NEW Year action was resumed at Wadebridge Camels where underfoot conditions were excellent. Playing with the wind Okehampton enjoyed the better of the early exchanges but with little joy out wide on a narrow pitch it was the forwards with some excellent interplay and offloads that caught the eye.

Okehampton had a few absentees and it was the hosts' back line that rose to the early challenges although in the visitors' containment of the threat initially held firm.

Against the run of play Wadebridge made a rare excursion into the Oke's 22 and scored from some hard running from the experienced fly half.

From the restart the visitors again moved the ball well through hands which took play deep into the Camels' 22 and following some excellent pick and drive work, Dan Lee — one of last season's all conquering colts' side — bludgeoned his way over the whitewash to score with Matt Johns adding the extras.

At this stage things were looking good for the Okes but a lapse in concentration from a free-kick in the 22 gave the Camels a soft try which was converted. From this point the hosts never looked back and the visitors never looked forward!

Following on from the Torquay game just before the Christmas break, Okehampton mysteriously showed a similar trait by seeming to capitulate badly and leaked a further two tries before half time.

Defensive shape had 'gone AWOL' and with lack of defensive line speed and far too many individuals standing off tackles the hosts understandably gained confidence. The Okehampton situation was not helped when vice captain Richard Drake had to leave the pitch with a nasty head wound.

Julian Courtier replaced Drake to add some valuable experience but with tails up the hosts continued to run hard and with purpose. Four pairs of fresh legs from some capable individuals further exasperated the visitors' cause with the score board regularly ticking over .

Okehampton restored some pride at the death with a well worked try for wing man Mark Gibb with Deane Andrew nailing a terrific conversion from the touch line.

The Camels were a good side but having dominated for the first 20 minutes Okehampton seconds must change a trait that has seen them capitulate badly in their last two games. The hosts were good – but not that good and a more consistent and motivated approach will be needed to maintain momentum in the league.