Okehampton 1st XV 39

Truro 1st XV 3

AFTER Okes' last two lacklustre efforts, few saw this convincing, and at times exciting victory coming.

Truro arrived on the back of an excellent home win. But after a bright start they faded badly, and demonstrated many of the worrying traits that the Okes themselves had in abundance in their own first two league encounters.

Playing up the slope, Oke started slowly again, and only improved defence kept the home line intact. Truro did take an early lead with a Martin penalty after offside against the home defence.

Okehampton were producing numerous early errors which prevented them building any phases of play. Numerous turnovers and untidy ruck ball were also hampering the Okes' cause. When the hosts did string together some width, they put winger Rob Fishleigh away, but he was snagged just short and the chance was gone.

Full back Mat Dennis put up a dodgy looking up and under, with everyone waiting for Truro to accept the offer of free ball, the visitors allowed it to bounce and the home full back gleefully re-gathered and cruised in under the uprights. Fly half Billy Searle converted, and right on the stroke of half time, Okehampton had their noses in front at 7-3.

After the interval Okehampton upped the pace of the game, and Truro struggled to contain them. Scrum half Joey Bruce scampered blind, and with fine sleight of hand released lively flanker Simon Cox on his inside. The back rower sold an outrageous dummy and sprinted in under the posts. Searle again converted.

Okes were now producing their best rugby so far this season. More simple but effective handling in the backs created another sparkling score, this time finished off up the left flank by Rob Fishleigh for a 19-3 lead after 55 minutes. Young fly half Searle was now demonstrating a sublime range of kicking as he pinned Truro back in their own half with regularity. Full back Matt Dennis cruised through an opening out wide for his second score as the match entered its last quarter. Searle added the extra two, and also a penalty for offside before the game entered a slight lull, punctuated by numerous injury stoppages.

Truro lost their ten to injury and Okehampton had a final surge. Gareth Espin cut a line against the defensive drift, and crossed for an unconverted score to take Okes' lead to 34-3. Then as the match reached its conclusion, Truro dropped yet another pass, winger Alex Dennis picked up the remnants, and ran in unopposed three quarters of the length of the pitch for the coup de grace.

Next week throws up a tough trip to unbeaten Kingsbridge, KO 3pm.

Following the victory over Truro, Okehampton captain Ian Langbridge, hosted the captain's cocktails night at the clubhouse to raise funds for Exeter Leukaemia Fund and for the purchase of kit for the players.

The evening raised more than £600, to be split 50/50 between ELF and the players' kit account.