Western Counties West

Okehampton 19

Exeter Saracens 5

THIS was a deserved victory for an understrength Okehampton side. Visitors Saracens played a full part though in an open match, with both sides looking to run the ball at every opportunity.

The Okes' players that were drafted in produced competent performances to ensure their side's fine home run this season continued. Okehampton played up the slope first off, and missed an early penalty chance before the visitors stretched the home defence on several occasions. Turnovers allowed Oke to regroup and clear their lines in both instances, but the intent to move the ball through the hands was already evident from both sides.

Quite how the first half remained scoreless is a bit of a mystery. Chances aplenty came and went for both sides, over eagerness and wrong options combining to keep both try lines intact. Debutant Jordan Lee at fly half was having an assured match, whilst Alex Dennis was also taking his chance with an all action display on the right flank.

With the half time whistle sounding, and the unusual 0-0 scoreline, both sides knew the first try would be vital. Luke Honeychurch, playing in an unaccustomed role at full back sparked the move that brought the game's first score. He made a midfield break and took play up to Saracens' 22. An attempted pass to a team mate went to ground, but was gathered by flanker Tom McGratton in support. He crossed by the posts and the Okes had a lead they would never relinquish. Kevin Dennis converted, and Okehampton were starting to look a little more relaxed and confident.

Okehampton lost flanker Paul Lawrence to the bin during the incident packed second half but still managed to stretch their lead. Once more full back Honeychurch was involved as he gathered a high ball and fed winger Craig Dennis, who stepped inside and left the cover defence for dead as he steamed over under the posts for a fine score. Kevin Dennis added the extras and the Okes were 14 points to the good.

The home side's third try effectively sealed the victory. More good interplay down the left wing allowed Craig Dennis to break free. He fed inside to the supporting Lee who kicked ahead to leave the visiting full back stranded. Second rower Sam Turner, having another fine game, was in the right place to gather and cross wide out on the left. The difficult conversion was missed. To Saracens credit they continued to play rugby from all parts of the pitch. The Okes defence was getting stretched and the visitors showed good ball retention. Winger Sam Gooch was the beneficiary of the good build up play to score and reduce the deficit by five.

Oke brought on all three replacements and were still hoping for a bonus point fourth try. It was the visitors that came closest to scoring again though, as they looked certain to score until Craig Dennis intervened. The young winger pulled off a superb last ditch try saving tackle in the last few minutes.

Okehampton were happy when the final whistle went, as their patched up side had ended their two match losing streak and consolidated their position in fifth place in the table.