Okehampton Colts 12
Sidmouth Colts 10
PLAYING against a gale force wind the Okes made a promising start keeping the ball in hand keeping the much bigger Sidmouth forwards on the move. While the home side dominated possession for the first period, play was mostly restricted to the middle third of the field leading to a stalemate with neither team being able to get the upper hand .
The visitors started to secure a greater share of possession and with their half backs using the wind wisely, the Okes were forced defend in their own 22 finding it almost impossible to clear their lines kicking into the strong wind. The Okes defended superbly under intense pressure with the back row of Henry Cooper, Graham Benney and Pete Gillard outstanding.
The excellent Sidmouth wing forward eventually put the visitors ahead with the first try of the game after half an hour's play; the conversion was missed.
Shortly before half time the visitors went further ahead with hard worked catch and drive try from a line out to make it 0-10 at the interval.
The home side started the second half in positive mood and with less than five minute play Craig Dennis put boot to ball and outstripped the defence to touch down before making the conversion himself.
The Okes were working the blind side to great effect with Gillard and scrum half Dan Curtis combining well. Paul Windthorpe was also distributing the ball well at 10 to Matt Johns. The home side were soon camped in the Sidmouth before Okes' captain Gillard‚ who led by fine example all afternoon, touched down the them in front.
Sidmouth came back strongly but despite prolonged periods of possession were being regularly driven backwards at the tackle and breakdown with defence of the highest commitment with Johns as a prime example.
This was a well deserved win for Okehampton Colts.