Western Counties West

Okehampton 25

Kingsbridge 35

SLOW starts are becoming an unwelcome trait for the Okes, and one that is costing them valuable league points.

This week visitors Kingsbridge were the beneficiaries of Oke's early generosity and they took full advantage to gain an ultimately insurmountable lead. Kicking off down the slope Kingsbridge monopolised early possession and territory, and had scored two tries within the first 11 minutes. First left winger Parrot crossed out wide before prop Powell bundled over from close range. Centre Treeby converted one as Oke failed to get out of the blocks.

Finally the Okes strung several phases together and gave a glimpse of what they could offer. They gained three points as a reward when young colts' winger Lewis Taylor potted a penalty chance after 15 minues. However, Oke failed to regather the restart, and shortly afterwards prop Powell had his brace following some missed tackles from the shell-shocked home side. Treeby again converted and when he potted another penalty to make it 22-3 after 22 minutes, things looked bleak for the hosts.

To the home side's credit they refused to buckle, and began to apply some pressure up front. A yellow card for the visitors' number six, as he continually infringed, gave Oke the impetus to respond as prop Nicky Martin forced his way over from a rolling maul. Taylor converted and at 22-10 Oke were back in the match.

Unfortunately even with a man advantage, the Okes failed to consolidate and allowed Kingsbridge back into their 22 with an attacking lineout. From the catch and drive Oke left the blind side wide open and scrum half Couch had a stroll in from close range to make it 29-10 at the break.

Oke restarted and immediately looked more threatening. Full back Gareth Espin was elusive all afternoon, and he crossed on the left flank after 52 minutes following a good loop and pass from Rhys Palmer, as Oke began to create gaps in the visitors' defensive line.

Oke were now on top and their hopes grew significantly after 60 minutes when Oke produced the best passage of play in the match to stretch Kingsbridge across the length and breadth of the pitch, which resulted in Espin cruising in under the uprights for a superb score. Replacement back Matt Johns, on for the injured Rory Honeychurch, kicked the conversion and at 29-22 a remarkable result seemed possible.

In the last 15 minutes Oke failed to apply pressure in the right parts of the pitch, and after Sam Turner was yellow carded after 65 minutes, the tide turned back in favour of the visitors.

Treeby added a penalty before Johns replied in kind and at least a bonus point was in Oke's grasp. Treeby added another effort with five remaining as the decisions began to mount in King's favour. Oke rallied for one last effort to try to gain a losing bonus point, and another for four tries.

In the last minute they drove a maul 30 yards towards the Kingsbridge line and it came down short of the line, but both home players and fans were disappointed when the referee awarded a penalty to the visitors. Kingsbridge cleared to touch and the game was over.

So a fourth consecutive defeat for the Okes after their bright start to the season. They have had a difficult recent run of fixtures, while luck and injuries have certainly not gone their way.