Devon Colts cup Okehampton Colts 15

Barnstaple Colts 8

FOR the second season in succession Okehampton Colts are through to the final of the Devon Colts Cup following a workmanlike performance against North Devon rivals Barnstaple.

In this semi-final nothing was asked for or given with uncompromising physicality in both attack and defence being the order of the day.

Oke started in great style with good ball retention and numerous close attacks from the forwards putting the visitors on the back foot. The pressure led to defensive indiscretion with several penalties allowing Searle to pin Barnstable deep in their own half.

The resilient defence was eventually broken when Searle slid through for the first try, which he converted.

The restart saw Oke again move play into the Barum half but a turnover saw the visitors push play deep into attack territory . The Barnstaple fullback hit a good line to dot down under the posts with the conversion being surprisingly missed.

Okehampton showed great determination to re-establish control but started to choose wrong options. Despite being camped in the Barum 22 for sustained periods the Okes were only able to add a well struck penalty from Searle to bring half time at 10-5.

In the second half Oke's line out worked well with both Folland and Williams securing own ball, with several driving mauls making significant ground.

Attempts by Barnstable to force them selves back into the game were being met by some stoic defence with Luke Dennis in the centre and forwards Dean Abrams and Pat Nash.

Okehampton pressed and forced a line out 10 metres out; a clean take from Folland saw the driving maul driven relentlessly to the line with captain Steven Paul finishing matters off for an efficiently worked try.

Barnstable made one last determined effort and were rewarded with a penalty.