Western Counties West

Okehampton 32

Torquay 14

OKEHAMPTON were victorious for the second week running, after another home victory in summer like conditions against a Torquay side highly fancied for promotion.

Playing up the hill the home side started typically slowly. Lack of discipline and unforced errors saw the visitors to take an early lead.

Three penalties from the prolific boot of fly half Wood saw the Okes staring at a 9-0 deficit after only 15 minutes.

The Torquay side were mainly on the bulky side and the heat was going to have an effect on their stamina as the match wore on, so Oke knew the lead was not insurmountable.

Eventually Oke gained some territory. With the line out functioning well, an infringement allowed Carl Poynton to continue his fine start to the season with the boot as he slotted a penalty, 9-3.

Torquay were not really threatening in attack, and the Okes were able to soak up any pressure in relative comfort. When the Okes returned to the Torquay 22, with 30 minutes gone an attacking five yard scrum resulted in number eight Tom Mcgratton grounding a pushover try after showing good control. Poynton missed the conversion, his first failure this season. He soon made arrears though, with a penalty after some good counter rucking from the home pack. This left the score 11-9 to the Okes with the slope advantage still to come.

The sun continued to beat down, and both sides used the rolling substitution ruling to allow players a breather.

Oke looked on top as the second period evolved, and stretched their lead through another Poynton penalty after Torquay's three quarters encroached offside.

In the 50th minute Oke got their second try. A loose kick was gathered and Tom McGratton chipped ahead down the left flank. Back rower Simon Cox, having an outstanding match, showed quick thinking to gather the bobbling ball and ground it midway on the left. Poynton converted again, and at 21-9 the Okes were suddenly a lot more comfortable. Another Poynton penalty made it 24-9, and he slotted three more points soon after to put the Oke well ahead entering the last quarter.

Torquay attacked as home winger Brimmacombe saw yellow. The visitors seized their opportunity as the Okes ran out of cover on the left and Jonny Brown temporarily narrowed the gap to 27-14.

Fly half Poynton was controlling affairs superbly with the boot for the hosts, and territory was key as the Okes played effective, but unspectacular rugby. There was still time for one last score though, as alert scrum half Joey Bruce took a quick tap penalty in the Torquay 22. He scampered over for a score as the clock ticked down to its conclusion.