Torquay 1st XV 31 Okehampton 1st XV 34 A NEW season and a new era at Okehampton Rugby Football Club arrived on Saturday — and suddenly the wait appeared worthwhile. Seven tries, sun in the sky and four away league points meant the maroon and amber contingent all went home fully contented. The home side came out of the blocks the swifter, and Okehampton failed to gain any meaningful possession for the first ten minutes of the match. A kick off straight into touch allowed home momentum, and with four minutes on the clock diminutive scrum half Alex Jeffrey gave the hosts a 3-0 lead. Torquay stretched their lead when left winger Mike Cavanna took advantage of slack defence to cross up the left flank. Once more Jeffery added the extras, and at 17-3 down with only a quarter of the match gone, things did not look too promising for Okehampton. However, to their credit, Okehampton showed great determination and character to draw themselves back into this 'see saw' encounter. Despite losing vice-captain and influential second rower Sam Turner to injury, Okehampton were gaining confidence whilst playing their way back into the match. After 31 minutes Tom Powell showed hidden talent as he narrowed the deficit further with his second successful penalty goal. Okehampton's lineout was the only troublesome aspect of their game at this point, but their scrum, bolstered by the introduction of stalwart prop Ian Langbridge, was causing Torquay problems at the set piece. From one such scrummage Gaz Evans went on another bulldozing run that ultimately resulted in another Powell penalty, and it was now only 17-16 as the interval drew near. A smart breakdown play created the chance for left winger Rory Honeychurch to step inside for Okehampton's second try right on the cusp of the interval — making it 21-17 at the break. Okehampton made changes from the bench, and continued to move purposely forward through a driving maul as the match entered the third quarter, putting Okehampton out of reach by a 14 point lead. Into the last ten minutes Okehampton's inexperience and nervousness was beginning to show as errors crept into their play. Torquay sensed their chance and their rolling maul, which had earlier proved ineffectual, began to gain precious yards. A prolonged period of home pressure was repelled by Okehampton defence, but eventually the dam broke. It was scrum half Jeffery who emerged from a pile of bodies to claim the match levelling score that he also converted, after a rumble around the fringes had caused the visitors' rearguard to crack. With only minutes remaining, Okehampton had to go out for a try to win the game once more. The hosts gave away a penalty near the halfway line. Tom Powell confidently signalled for posts and struck the ball beautifully between the uprights to regain the lead in superb style. Okehampton then shot themselves in the foot with a needless offside penalty as the seconds ticked away. Torquay tapped and went when a kick to the corner was expected. They threw the kitchen sink at the Okehampton defence and the visitors lost young back rower Liam Sampson to the bin as a result. Okehampton defended showing great heart and commitment to the cause, and they eventually forced a turnover and booted the resultant penalty into touch to signal the end of this fiercely contested battle. A fantastic way to start a season and the reign of an inspirational new player coach. n Okehampton is at home this Saturday against Truro, kick off at 3pm.