Western Counties West

Ivybridge 21

Okehampton 1st XV 29

THERE are many teams that will go to Cross-in-Hand at Ivybridge and return with nothing but Okehampton managed to turn around a 40 point deficit from a defeat in the Devon Intermediate Cup a few weeks ago there to return with the full five points. It was a monumental display from the whole side as they battled against a side full of confidence.

Okehampton took the lead in the fourth minute following an astute cross field kick from fly-half, Carl Poynton, which was fielded by Denzil Dennis, who skipped the last defender to dot down. Poynton missed the conversion but the Okes' were up and running. After 30nminutes though, Ivybridge found themselves 14-5 ahead as they tried to turn the screw against their visitors. With the last play of the half, Okey reduced the arrears thanks to a stunning individual try from Tom McGrattan, after coming off his wing he brought total devastation to the home side as he went over the whitewash with defenders hanging off him.

Within five minutes of the restart Okehampton took the lead following a blindside move that saw McGrattan released down the right flank and he showed his footballing skills to dribble the ball over the try line to touch down. Carl Poynton added the extras.

Okehampton missed a couple of penalty opportunities before Ivybridge were next on the score sheet in the 64th minute, after a break from their centre put them in good field position before the Okes' defence was caught short on the left.

Two minutes later and Okehampton were to regain the lead that they wouldn't relinquish, Craig Dennis benefitting as the home side made a hash of their own scrum on halfway and he was able to gallop under the posts before adding the extras himself. The game became end to end as both sides looked to gain the winning score but most of it was played out in the central third, Ivybridge having the best opportunity although a penalty chance fell short.

Okehampton secured the points three minutes from time as Simon Cox disrupted Ivybridge ball as he had all day, and although the ball never bounced in his favour he had the presence of mind to kick wide for replacement winger, Sam Ewen to claim an easy score out wide.

The added extras were missed but Okehampton were now in comfort zone with a clear two score margin and time running out on the clock for the hosts. The Okes' showed a great deal of professionalism as they closed out the game without any real scares, and indeed the game ended with them on the ascendancy.

It was to be probably Okehampton's finest victory of the season so far, with a depleted side through injury that wasn't helped as captain Espin (broken jaw) and Tom White (dislocated shoulder) were both forced off but their pride and passion was never in question as they overcame a difficult away trip.

Next week the first team are away to Torquay before their last home encounter of the year vs Launceston on December 22.