Western Counties West League

Wadebridge 28

THIS was a true test of Okehampton's Western Counties ambitions as they played hosts to a strong Wadebridge side that have been firmly entrenched in the upper echelons of this league for the past three seasons.

True to form the visitors looked a promotion destined side for the first quarter of the match as the Okes started poorly and found themselves on the back foot from the off.

Despite having first use of the slope advantage, Okehampton couldn't find any early rhythm as they struggled to match the visitor's fast rucking technique which had the home defence severely stretched.

The Oke's pack, minus the banned Simon Cox, found it hard to reach the breakdown quickly enough to prevent the increasing flow of ball. The visitors took three penalty chances through their fly half Josh Taylor and the Okes found themselves 9-0 down.

The home side tried to tackle too high, and fell off many one on ones as a result. After 20 minutes Oke finally started to win some ball and their own scrum and lineout ball was solid and secure. The hosts created a couple of half chances and they were forcing the Camels into conceding penalties, but unfortunately three kickable opportunities came and went without success.

The interval neared and despite being under the cosh for long periods, the Okes were still very much in the game. Unfortunately the second period started in the worst possible fashion as a poor kick out of defence gave the visitors back their chance to counter, and they cut through some weak tackling to allow back rower Sam Stone to cross under the uprights.

Taylor converted to make it 16-0.

To the Okes credit they then rallied and produced their best spell of the match. The front five got the upper hand and the pack were taking control of the maul area. Eventually the score their played had deserved came, as full back Gareth Espin notched another fine score to add to his ever increasing tally. He cut a fine line through the visitors defence and outpaced the cover to cross in the corner. Replacement Lee Carey converted from wide out and it was the introduction of the abrasive back, along with player-coach Brett Luxton that gave the hosts some much needed physicality.

For a short period Oke sensed they may be in with a chance but this evaportated after Wadebridge scored their second try when their full back Briskham touched down in the corner.

The conversion was missed but with the deficit now 13 points entering the last ten minutes, a win was now a distant hope.

It wasn't long before the game was put well out of reach though, as yet again tackles were missed in midfield as the free running second row Grubb was allowed to cross by the posts for a score that finally sealed Oke's fate. This time it was converted, and Oke just had pride to play for in the final few minutes.

Once again Oke battered away at the visitors try line and with time ticking away, hard working number eight Sam Turner got a try that his endeavours deserved as he crossed in support for a consolation try. Carey converted again and the final whistle went.