Western Counties West

Bideford 34

Okehampton 13

OKEHAMPTON provided a slightly improved performance, but still came off a clear second best against the title chasing Torridgesiders.

This match was the archetypal illustration of two sides at the opposite end of the confidence scale. Bideford are flying high, top of the league and used to winning. Contrastingly, the Okes are on a wretched run, unable to gain a win with players going into their shells and failing to play to their full potential.

The final score line did not fully illustrate Okes' contribution to a decent match.

On a muddy surface, the Okes actually started on the front foot. Bideford infringed with regularity in the opening quarter, and Oke struck first. Carl Poynton popping over a smart drop goal after three minutes. Sanders soon levelled things up with a penalty, but Poynton slotted one of his own, and after 10 minutes it was 6-3 to the Okes.

Tom Powell was carrying effectively in the centre, and with a quarter of the match gone, Oke were right in it. Poynton missed another drop goal chance, and with the home pack down to seven after a binning things looked promising approaching the 30 minute mark.

Then, the match turned and Oke slipped back into their bad old habits. Despite their numerical advantage, they failed to gather any decent possession. Errors crept in and poor decision making allowed Bideford the upper hand. The hosts took full advantage with three converted tries in the last ten minutes of the half.

Firstly, they drove over from a trademark catch and drive. Centre Buckland was then allowed far too easily to cross after a simple switch move. Finally, right on the break, captain Loosemore profited from an inside offload to put the match out of Oke's reach. Sanders converted all three.

The second half began, and Bideford were soon extending their lead, Sanders adding another three pointer. The win was now in the bag for the hosts, but the return of Poynton, who had earlier left the field through injury, gave Oke some much needed structure and they improved in the third quarter of the match. They gained their only try when number eight Neil Perrot went blind from a set scrum and fed full back Rob Fishleigh, Oke's standout performer on the day, crossed in the right corner; Poynton slotting an excellent conversion.

Those hopes were soon dashed though, as Bideford gained a valuable four try bonus point. Once more their dominant pack was the catalyst. A penalty was put into touch, and from fully 20 meters, their drove the Okes back over their own line for yet another catch and drive effort. Sanders converted and Oke had only pride left to play for.

The home side managed to pick up two more sin binning's in the time remaining. Oke started to win more ball and had plenty of chances to reduce the arrears. In the dying seconds as they pushed Bideford back over their own line from a five yard scum. With the ball over the line and the forwards in control, the ball was knocked on in the act of grounding, and yet another chance was gone. The final whistle went and Oke had no reward for their efforts.

Bideford were worthy winners.