Brixham Third XV 21

Okehampton Second XV 26

FOLLOWING some indiscipline from the Fishermen, Carl Poynton slotted two early penalties for a six nil lead after 15 minutes. Once the hosts got into their stride some strong running from their back row linking well with their back line saw the Okes lined threatened and after a couple of first up tackles were missed they gained the lead with a converted try.

Minutes later concentration lapsed at the tail of the Okes' line out for host's wing forward to collect and stroll over for a soft seven pointer.

With some good phases and excellent continuity through support and offloads, the visitors were held up just short of the Brix line. The referee spotted an offside in midfield and smart thinking from Poynton saw him take a quick tap to feed prop Dan Carey to gallop in from 10 metres for the try converted by the provider.

With confidence and self belief now running high, the Okes began to gain dominance in the set piece turning ball over at scrum time and stealing a fair percentage of line out ball. With more impressive work from the backs with Matt Johns, Dean Andrew and Ash Poynton all making good ground and it was Johns who showed excellent footwork and strength to score for Poynton to again add the extras for a 14 – 20 half time lead.

With Brixham having no second team game the hosts were able to strengthen their forwards with fresh legs although it was the Okes who enjoyed the better of the early 2nd half exchanges with Poynton adding another 3 points .

The advantage of fresh legs and the slope saw the hosts start to pressurise the Okes and after a period of sustained pressure , they worked the blind side of a 5M scrum to score a converted try.

Although this brought Brixham right back into the game, the Okes dug deep and with stoic defence earned some valuable turnovers. Poynton gave a master class of defensive kicking, often pushing the home side back and deep into their own half.

Some great follow up work by John Short, Andrew Fishliegh and Pete Gillard got its just rewards with Poynton slotting three points from the resultant penalty.

Great attitude and spirit from the lads with Kingsbridge next at Oaklands next Saturday.