Okehampton seconds 20

Barnstaple seconds 13

A BLUSTERY wet day at Oaklands saw Okehampton seconds take on Barnstaple seconds in a top of the league clash.

The Barnstaple side had won the Devon senior merit table for the past two years – so the home side knew they would be in for a tough afternoon.

But it was Okehampton who started the stronger, dominating the set piece with youngster Richard Mortimer soon getting the upper hand in the scrums.

The scoring opened with a powerful run by Pete Herod-Taylor, up the right touchline, breaking several tackles before going in the corner to score an unconverted try.

The home side then had a moment of weakness, as immediately from the kick off and after good handling, Barnstaple were awarded a penalty and a quick tap penalty by their number nine saw them score in front of the club house.

The Okes still had their tails up and after some good territorial pressure were awarded a penalty with Buzz Brimacombe converting. Playing up the hill, Barum were trying to run the ball from deep and it was Pete Herod-Taylor who intercepted a pass and pirouetted through several defenders to score his second try. Buzz duly converted. Barum fought back well and managed to kick a penalty to end the half 15-8.

The second half saw Okehampton play up the slope and with the rain coming down they spent a lot of time in their own half but managed to break out and after prolonged pressure on the Barum line, man of the match, Simon Bennett powered over for a well deserved try, conversion missed.

Barnstaple did not give up and after some good phases crossed the line for an unconverted try, but the seconds held out to the final whistle and rounded off another excellent performance to win.