Okehampton seconds 16

Devonport Services seconds 11

IN damp and misty conditions Okehampton seconds chose to play their rugby against the slope and a light breeze and came out of the blocks much the sharper, putting the visitors under early pressure in wet and slippery conditions.

Martin Lane and Nathan Abrams were the pick of the forwards in this period both making excellent yardage on the short ball. After less than ten minutes, a line out close to the Services’ line broke up into a confusing affair but after some pick and goes number eight Richard Drake was on hand to force his way over the line for the opening score. Gary Sizmur bagged the extras.

Services started to force their way back into the game. Plenty of possession was forthcoming but stoic home defence made progress difficult. Giles Heard brought down anything that moved and with Brimacombe and Sizmur blocking their respective channels, a solid and hard running Services’ back line were getting little change from their endeavours.

Unfortunately for Oke their concentration went somewhere else during the latter part of the half and with two penalties and a loose pass leading to an interception try , the visitors took full advantage to lead 8-11. Sizmur restored some order proving reliable with the boot to knock over a penalty score — bringing the half time score to 10- 11 to the visitors.

The first part of the second half was a frustrating affair as the visitors attacked but good cover from full back John Short and big tackles from debutant Glynn Alner started to force Sevices onto the back foot. Drake and captain Griffiths led the forward charges and with good distribution from Fogherty, Brimacombe and Sizmur, Oke started to dominate.

A strong set piece with some excellent driving mauls from lineouts and scrum dominance forced the penalties as two from Brimacombe swung it to Oke 16-11.

This was a solid performance from the Oke seconds.

The side has a good mix of youth and experience ranging from lads out of last year’s Colts, through the returning Giles Heard and Pat Webb to captain Bruce Griffiths and Richard Drake, while Eddie Jones who has also made a welcome return.