Exmouth thirds 5

Okehampton seconds 38

FOLLOWING a disappointing performance against an experienced Exmouth side earlier in the season , the Okes returned to the Imperial ground with a minimum objective of restoring pride with a serious challenge to the hosts who are merit table league leaders.

With excellent availability the Okes had a good line up of experience and youth potential.

The pace of the Okes style of play saw the hosts clinging to coat tails and in attempts to slow down both possession and the game generally they inevitably digressed and were penalised to the extent that fly half Jordan Petherbridge kicked with metronomic efficiency to kick 6 penalties in the first half for a half time lead of 18–0.

Despite a half time lead the Okes were still missing the critical timing of ball release to capitalise on some great passages of loose play.

Guest Gaz Evans was leading the way in providing the off load opportunities and it wasn't long into the second period before the continuity started to click.

Following a turnover in mid field, the ball was moved through many hands before the ball was spun along the line for the once again influential Gillard to touch down for the first score.

The back line continued to impress with excellent distribution from Petherbridge allowing Dean Andrew and the returning Brimacombe to put the opposition midfield on the back foot all afternoon.

With the Okes making changes some continuity was lacking for a short period, allowing the hosts to bulldoze their way to an unconverted try.

Straight from the restart the Okes showed a superb attitude and having taken play into the Exmouth half, Petherbridge saw the gap and with pace and footwork crossed the try line to immediately restore the Okes advantage.

While the hosts continued to try and restore some parity in proceedings, Matty Dennis at fullback ran some great lines to punch holes through the attacking line and put in some great hits to help shut out a late charge.

Turnover from a hard hit from the fullback allowed play to move upfield and from some quick ball, scrum half Barry Down, found Petherbridge from which the fly half exploited the gap that opened up in front of him to accelerate and again show great footwork to touch down under the posts from which he converted to bring his personal tally for the game to 33 points.

All 7 replacements were used all of whom contributed accordingly and such enthusiasm and availability can only bode well towards continuing to provide the strength in depth the club needs to continue to progress. Special thanks to Gaz Evans in putting on the shirt in his down time from Service duties and applying the benefit of his experience to raise the game of younger guys around him.

n This Saturday the Okehampton seconds are at home to Tavistock seconds, kick off at 2.30pm.