Devon and Exeter seven

Exeter Central 2

Okehampton Argyle Reserves 6

OKEHAMPTON reserves travelled to Exeter for their season opener with a new look squad who found it tough going in the opening ten minutes in sweltering conditions. 

With Oke keen to play out from the back, it took 20 minutes for new combinations to start to tick when finally a threaded ball from midfield found Ryan Arthurs who finished in the bottom corner.

A drinks break after 30 minutes then seemed to have done Oke the world of good as another through ball somehow made its way to Callum Rutley who made no mistake in doubling Argyle’s advantage. 

However, two defensive lapses then cost Argyle dear as by half time Central were back on level terms against the run of play. 

Come the second half Oke looked a new team and deservedly took the lead when a good piece of harrying from Scott Hooper forced a good save from the keeper which cruelly went back in off his back after hitting the upright. 

Oke now smelled blood and scored three unanswered goals. First sub Harry Williams floated in from the right wing to slot past the keeper. Then after some solid hold up play, Central had no choice but to bring down Hooper giving Arthurs the chance to double his tally from the penalty spot.

In the final minutes Bridge made it six, diverting an Arthur’s ball in with his head from six yards. All in all a good start to the season for the Okes who coped reasonably well with the heat and conditions to go top after one game.