TAVISTOCK became the latest side routed by Devon One leaders Plymstock Oaks, who whitewashed them 59-0 at Horsham.

Four defeats in five outings have left the Moorlanders two places and four points above the drop spots.

Leigh Puttock, the Tavistock coach, won’t be losing much sleep over this result as Oaks are treating almost everyone they play in the same way.

“My only angst is that they niled us as we can attack, but it’s out defence we need to work on,” said Puttock.

What Puttock recognises is even at this relatively early stage of the season, points gained matter.

“Oaks are in a league of their own this season and good luck to them with their ambitions,” said Puttock. “Very few sides in our division will be able to live with their county players, who have been there and seen and done it in the past.

“What we have to start doing is nicking some wins and if we can’t do that, we must nick bonus point where possible.

“We are good enough but have to start believing we can pick points up.”

A work-on for Tavistock before this Saturday’s home game against Exmouth Quins will be defending the wide channels.

“Our scrum dominated against Oaks, but they tore us apart outside,” said Puttock.

“In modern rugby you have to defend out wide, not just up the middle.”

Elsewhere, Okehampton surrendered second place in South West One when they suffered a 13-5 home defeat by leaders Penzance-Newlyn.

Ivybridge, Tiverton and North Petherton went past Okehampton, who have dropped down to fifth in the table.

As Tiverton travel to Penzance this Saturday, and Okey are away to North Petherton, the situation at the top could easily change again.

Brett Luxton, the Okehampton coach, said: “Penzance were a very mature team with good decision makers in the right positions.

“The conditions were attritional and Penzance adapted to them better.”

Dan Butt scored an under-the-posts try for Okehampton. The conversion kick was blown off course!

Okehampton’s 2nd XI meanwhile won 12-0 at North Tawton.