Merit League

Okehampton seconds 33

Tavistock Moorlanders 6

Playing the joint league leaders away, the Moorlanders put in a spirited performance.

In slippery conditions, Okehampton, with their heavier pack, spent much of the first half on the offensive, but some superb defence by Tavistock restricted the hosts to a slender lead of three points until five minutes from the interval, when the visitors were reduced to 14 when one of their players was dismissed for a retaliatory punch. This resulted in a further penalty and three points to Okehampton.

Tavistock re-grouped and following a fine attack led by the forwards, an infringement by the home side saw flyhalf Tom Thursby kick a second penalty, leaving the half-time score at 9- 6 to Okehampton.

 

Playing up the slope a man short was always going to be a tough task and the first few minutes of the second half saw the Moorlanders twice fail to clear their lines and Okehampton scored two soft tries, to extend the lead to 19-6.

With the home side threatening to run away with the game, the Moorlanders held firm with more excellent defensive play and as the half wore on, despite being a man short, the Moorlanders started to build some attacks of their own and it was Oke's turn to do some defending.

There was no further scoring until the last few minutes of the game, when firstly, a loose ball from a five metre scrum and then a charged down clearance kick resulted in two converted tries and a rather flattering final score of 33–6 to Okehampton.

Despite the result, this was one of the best displays of the season by the Moorlanders. It would be difficult to name stand out individuals, in what was a fine team performance.

n The Moorlanders now have a break until they visit North Tawton on January 4.