Western Counties West

Camborne 30

OKEHAMPTON kicked-off with the advantage of wind and slope and the opening exchanges were relatively even.

Camborne were running the ball at every opportunity whilst Okehampton's fly-half Carl Poynton was using the elements to good effect with a number of probing kicks deep into oppostion territory.

Okehampton's injury jinx struck again on 12 minutes when Tom McGratton had to be replaced by Harry Bushin. Shortly after this the visitors had an excellent chance to open the scoring when they were awarded a penalty for a late tackle on Poynton but unfortunately the kick was unsuccesful.

However, just after the 20 minute mark, the first points were scored when Joe Parma, the strong-running Camborne full-back broke a tackle some 20 metres out and cantered in to score near the corner. The conversion was missed.

Okehampton then began to take the game to the home side. The forwards were supplying a good stream of ball with Nicky Martin amongst others impressing in the loose. A number of phases saw the ball moved through the hands for Tom Powell to crash through a couple of tackles before off-loading to centre partner Luke Honeychurch to score near the posts. The conversion by Poynton gave Okehampton a 7-5 lead.

The hosts however, shortly after the restart, were awarded a penalty which was kicked to the corner. The resultant line out led to a catch and drive that saw impressive flanker Sam Matevesi touch down. The conversion was added to leave the score at the interval 12-7 in the home side's favour.

 Camborne began the second period in determined fashion. Following a five metre scrum their strong number eight Dave Roberts drove for the line and when he was brought to ground his back row partner Ryan Spargo was on hand to take the loose ball and score. The simple conversion made the score 19-7 and a penalty soon afterwards gave the hosts a commanding 22-7 lead.

 Play then became concentrated in the middle before in the 60th minute an attempted interception by Okehampton gave the Camborne backs the opportunity to run in a try in the corner. Another penalty three minutes later made the score 30-7 and the signs were not good for the Devonians.

 To their credit the Okes then began to play their best rugby of the match and with 15 minutes left good hands in the backs saw number eight Sam Turner move the ball to Joey Bruce who scampered under the posts for Poynton to convert to make the score 30-14.

The restart was superbly taken by lock Richard Drake who set off on a 30 metre run before passing inside to winger Rob Fishleigh. Unfortunately, he was unable to link up with his support but with the Okes winning all of their own ball and a good percentage of Camborne's another try looked a distinct possibility. It did not materialise however, and the final couple of minutes were played out without incident.