Devon and Cornwall

TIVERTON are a side revitalised so this was never going to be a repeat of last week's point's bonanza for the Okes.

The combination of a sticky pitch, and a home side battling ferociously to avoid the drop, meant Okehampton were happy just to come away with four more league points after a hard earned victory.

Tiverton's experienced pack ensured this was always going to be a close contest. The Okes had definite superiority at scrum time, but at the breakdown they struggled to prevent turnovers and had to defend manfully around their overworked fringes.

The Okes started brightly and were a little unfortunate to fall behind after kicking off into a significant breeze. The home side were awarded a penalty early on and fly half Atkins potted the kick as Oke trailed by three.

The match soon settled down to a familiar pattern, the Okes looking lively in the backs but unable to fully capitalise on good breaks and counter attacks. Tiverton were happy to take on the Okes at ruck and maul time, preferring to attack around the fringes rather than the wider channels. Midway through the evenly contested first half Oke drew level, as fly half Kevin Dennis landed a penalty chance. Playing against the elements the visitors were creating chances, but Tiverton's defence was holding firm.

Half time arrived with the sides level at 3-3 with Okehampton making changes as the injured McGratton made way for Sam Turner, while Carl Poynton also came on.

Okehampton had the strong wind in their favour, but their clearance kicks were lacking in height and authority. It was the visitors who struck next, and they took a lead they would never relinquish.

The build up play to the score was impressive and fluent though, as the Okes sucked in the home cover and created an overlap on the left. Unfortunately a weak pass dropped on the floor, and in an attempt to gather it, a knock-on ensued. The ref did not stop play though and Oke took full advantage to put winger Craig Dennis over in the left corner. The conversion was unsuccessful.

In the final quarter Oke were really getting on top in the set scrum. They forced a series of five metre scrums, and the pressure eventually told for the home eight. Number eight Steve Alford showed good control after several reset scrums, and grounded for the Okes' second. Poynton failed to add the extra two, but had a ten point lead with 15 minutes to go.

The hosts fought back to gain a foothold in the final minutes. Pressure around the fringes eventually created enough of a gap, and scrum half Willis forced his way over to reduce the arrears. Atkins added the simple conversion.

Tiverton threw everything at it to reduce the arrears but the Okes' defence tackled valiantly and the visitors held out for another vital away win.