South West premier

Barnstaple 24

Okehampton 0

THIS match proved to be another loss for the maroon and ambers as they were defeated in a fiesty encounter at Pottington Road.

As a side with only one win away from home, travelling to take on the top of the league side experienced at playing at a higher level, this was always going to be a tough ask for Okehampton. No doubt the hosts were deserving winners, but after a lacklustre first half, the second half effort from the Okes was deserving of a closer scoreline. Much like the earlier defeat at Exmouth, the Okes had plenty of territory and possession but once again the home side were more clinical when chances came their way.

The first quarter saw the Okes’ performance mirror the colour of their away strip. The hosts needed no second invitation when chances came their way and took the lead after just four minutes. Impressive centre Ryan Carter was the catalyst and after a lineout catch and drive moments later, the home pack rumbled over for a converted score and a seven-point advantage.

The Okes slowly grew into the game but were dealt another cruel blow when a hopeful Barnstaple kick into the Okes’ 22 was allowed to bounce. The wicked rebound was kind for the hosts as it popped up directly into the arms of returning home player coach Jake Murphy who strode over between the posts. Things soon got worse for the visitors as they conceded a third score on 29 minutes when winger Clark crossed in the left corner for an unconverted score.

The Okes then lost centre Rhys Palmer to the bin minutes later. Without a recognised kicker, Okes tried to run the ball in the minutes remaining of the half. The visitors did have the upper hand at scrum time but were unable to make it pay. The home defence held firm until the break, and Barnstaple went into the break 19-0 up.

The Okes certainly upped their efforts in the second half as both sides lost a player to the bin in the early stages. The visitors were forced to defend close to their line for a period but then it was the visitors’ turn to dominate possession and territory for the next 25 minutes although they could not turn their close range pressure into tangible rewards on the scoreboard.

In the last five minutes entering the Oke’s 22 on a rare second half excursion, the hosts’ replacement prop went over for the home side.

The final whistle blew and although the Okes will be disappointed that they never reproduced anything like their recent form, they still gave a decent account of themselves and certainly were not overawed at the home of the promotion chasing league leaders.