Western Counties West

Okehampton 7

Penryn 16

THIS week's challenge for the Okes was in the form of table toppers, and promotion favourites Penryn. Boasting a strong side, and fielding several players who have returned to the club from National league rugby, a win for the home side was always going to be a big ask.

For a side on a seven match winning streak, a home game against the leaders was greatly anticipated. Strangely the Okes failed to produce a performance they are capable of - with sloppy decision making and poor tactical kicking ensuring the visitors a comfortable victory.

With conditions moist underfoot, Okes played with the slope first up. They failed to get their usual quick start and the visitors demonstrated good ball retention to keep Okehampton pinned in their own half for long periods.

The Okes failed to gain any length on clearance kicks and although having an advantage in the set scrums, they failed to create much of an attacking threat.

Conditions were not conducive to flowing rugby and both sides cancelled each other out with the Okes neediing to gain a half time advantage after having the benefit of the elements.

Eventually Oke managed to gain some territory in the Penryn 22. Five yard scrummages ensued and following a Penryn infringment the Okes elected for another scrum. This time number eight Steve Alford grounded successfully with fly half Kevin Dennis added the useful extras to make it 7-0 at half-time.

In the second half Okehampton never really looked like extending the lead and Penryn raised their game to gain enough territory and possession to force several penalty awards in Oke's half. Full back Rob Banks successfully pilfered two of these to reduce the arrears to just a point at the interval.

It was Penryn who dominated possession with Oke failing to gain a significant foothold in the opposition half. As Oke made changes, the line out that had previously supplied good clean ball, also began to stutter. As a result Penryn preyed on Oke errors and camped for long periods in the Oke 22.

To the Okes credit their defence was once more admirable. At some point though something had to give. After battering away for several minutes, number eight Jordan Rose eventually crossed after a close in forward drive. Banks converted and the visitors had some daylight.

Before too long Banks had added another penalty and the lead was stretched to nine. Oke tried to throw the ball about to try and at least gain a bonus point. However a combination of conditions and handling errors meant they got no further attacking joy.

The whistle went and Penryn continue their promotion push. For the Okes' it was the one that got away.