Western Counties West

Truro 11

Okehampton 17

HAVING seen their Easter Saturday home game against Devonport Services again fall foul of the weather, Okehampton travelled to high-riding Truro expecting a typical top-of-the table match.

Truro kicked-off with the stiff South Westerly breeze at their backs but the Okes were awarded a penalty from the first play. The subsequent line-out was lost and Truro’s Ashley Hosking made a great kick to the corner. Oke defended well but play was typically scrappy with neither side able to establish any dominance.

Oke full back Gareth Espin made touch with an excellent kick and already the Oke eight began to exert real pressure on the larger Truro pack. However, with play on 23 minutes some untidy play allowed Truro into the Okes’ 22 and when the pack transgressed Truro landed a penalty through Hosking. Then, on 31 minutes Truro won a line out in the Okes’ 22 and scored a good try through hooker Mark Carlyon after good play from No.5 Joe Martin.

On 37 minutes a superb break up left by Oke centre Luke Honeychurch saw him deliver a perfectly timed pass to flying winger Keiron Lee, who scored half way out on the left. The extras were missed but the half time whistle saw Truro in the lead at 8-5.

The second period saw the squad system working for the Okes with Dean Abrams on for Paul Lawrence and Gary Sizmur on for Dan Fogerty at scrum half. The Okes’ pack continued to completely dominate up front and it was no surprise to see number eight Tom McGratton get the touchdown after the Okes has shunted the Truro pack back a good 15 metres.

The Okes, this season under player/coach Gareth Evans, have really shown that they are committed to playing for each other. This has brought them results, that, and their fitness levels. They are arguably the fittest side in the league and it shows.

Tom McGratton, was replaced after 65 minutes with a suspected hamstring injury with Evans reverting to the back row and Ian Langbridge back on at prop.

Okehampton’s third and final try was scored by lock Sam Turner who capitalised on some poor Truro defence to touch down after a kick through and chase. Skipper Tom Powell added the extras to take the Okes into a 17-8 lead.

Despite a wonderful burst from Gaz Evans which looked to be a certain try until an ankle tap tackle by the last Truro defender, the Okes could not find the fourth try that would have brought them bonus points.

Truro landed a penalty on the final whistle to make score 17- 11.

Nevertheless this was an excellent win on the road. Someone once said that all good sides are able to ’win ugly’ and the Okes are certainly proving this maxim. Conditions, at this time of the year often dictate how well sides are able to play. It may not be pretty but the Okes formula is proving to be an effective one.

This Saturday Okehampton are away to Wadebridge Camels, kick-off 3pm.