Western Counties West

Bude 14

Okehampton 24

FULL credit goes to the visitor's pack as they were the driving force behind this away victory.

Both sides threw the ball about probing for the opening score. The Okes' pack was having the better of it against a Bude eight that famed rolling maul failed to make much of an appearance all afternoon..

The Okes created a couple of early half chances, but their back play was a little below its usual standard and it was the home side's backs that struck first as they spread the ball left to create an overlap that was accepted by full back Kyle Speare who crossed in the bottom left corner. Fly half Dan Pearce added the conversion.

Okehampton's line out was in impressive form with Steve Alford ruling the airways, a plentiful supply of ball was enabling Oke to march towards the home clubhouse. Persistent infringement from the home side's defence led to a yellow card for their back rower Will Kingdom. The Okes gained a five metre scrum, enough for Steve Alford to ground a wheeled effort to bring the sides level after the extras were added by fly half Carl Poynton.

The half came to a close and the Okes were happy to be on level terms.

In the second half Poynton soon struck a penalty goal to give the Okes the lead. Then they hit a purple patch as two tries came in quick succession. A loose ball was gathered by centre Luke Honeychurch; he linked with pacy left winger Craig Dennis who outran the cover defence to cross under the posts. Poynton added the conversion to make it 17-7. Full back Matt Dennis, who had a fine game in defence, cut a sharp line through the Bude midfield; Luke Honeychurch took the full back's offload and he crossed between the uprights. Poynton again converted.

However a combination of a revitalised Bude attack resulted in the last quarter being played with the home side on the front foot.

They were rewarded with ten minutes left when full back Spear hit a good angle to slip a tackle and cross in front of the clubhouse. Fly half Pearce added the simple extras.

The Okes defence has been stoic all season and they held out to ensure victory and deny their hosts even a bonus point.