Sidmouth Colts 5

Okehampton Colts 7

IN atrocious weather conditions and playing up the slope and receiving , the kick-off was well taken and ran with some early forward runs with a penalty allowing Searle to put the visitors well into the Sidmouth half.

The Sidmouth back line was slick and efficient although threatening on many occasions the Oke back row of Folland, Sampson and Abrams put in a huge defensive effort, together with the back line, ensured that the line remained unbroken.

Pressure led to two penalty opportunities for the men in green but they were unable to capitalise.

Having weathered the storm the Okes began to find themselves. Powerful forward drives led by Folland and ably supported by Johns , Williams and Captain Steven Paul began to make inroads into Sidmouth territory . The line out was starting to function and Searle was kicking for territory astutely . Giles Heard and Kieran Lee on the wings were following up well putting the hosts defence under pressure as the hosts batten down the hatches to make it 0-0 at half time.

The hosts came out in the second half with purpose and after some penalty indiscretion the Okes found themselves again on the back foot having to defend.

Fifteen minutes into the half the deadlock was finally broken when after a line out deep in the Okes 22 and with the defence out of line for the first time in the match , Sidmouth went in wide out for a well executed but unconverted try.

Okehampton now asserted some control and dominance and the forwards drove wave with after wave of attack ably supported by Swash at inside centre who's bullock runs kept his opposite number on the back foot.

Territory was now with the Okes but the faultless Sidmouth defence remained intact but with the visitors lineout now beginning to fire with both Williams and Folland dominating, the first of several catch and drives powered its way towards the Sidmouth line.

Penalty advantage was called with the maul continuing to progress. The second penalty was called and blown for collapsing the maul and Searle again put the ball in touch. Cleanly taken by Williams, the maul was again on the march and with the hosts bringing it down virtually on the line the referee had no option but to award the penalty try. Searle nailed the conversion from in front of the posts.

Okehampton had an anxious seven minutes but saw out the game for a crucial away win.