Tribute Western Counties (West)

Okehampton RFC 17,

Kingsbridge RFC 5

Kingsbridge travelled to Okehampton for a top-of-the-table clash, which saw the visitors leave empty-handed after a dour game in which neither side played to their potential. Okehampton played with just a little more variety and speed and deserved the victory, which sees them go above Kings into second place, behind Exeter, leaving Kings third.

The game was played on a heavy pitch, which did not help either side. The home team dominated much of the first half. It took 20 minutes for that to turn into points as Okehampton converted a penalty after Kings were penalised for holding on.

It should have been all square, but a penalty right in front of the posts was missed. However, the visitors soon made amends as Powell yet again scored from a lineout take and drive after Okehampton were penalised. The conversion was missed, but Kings led 3-5.

The game – littered with mistakes from both sides – was heading for half time when an Okehampton blitz resulted in a penalty and a try almost straight away from a poor restart, giving the home side an 11-5 advantage at half time.

Kingsbridge came out for the second half with real purpose and played their best rugby of the game.

They attacked the Okehampton defence with gusto, but were ­frustrated at being held up over the line on a couple of occasions. Kings spurned an almost certain three points when they elected to go for the corner rather than kick the ­penalty and then promptly lost the lineout.

Okehampton raised their game afterwards and kicked a further two penalties to lead 17-5. Kings, desperate to salvage at least a losing bonus point, came back at Okes in the last five minutes and again were unlucky when they thought they had scored, only for the referee to adjudge that the ball was held up, leaving them frustrated with the decision and their own performance.

Tomorrow sees the Kingsbridge first XV return to action at High House, where they will welcome Crediton in the league.

The game, which kicks off at 3pm, is preceded by the annual vice-­president’s lunch from noon.

Kingsbridge A XV are due to ­travel the relatively short distance to face local rivals Totnes, while the Colts travel to Cheltenham on Sunday to face Old Patesians in round 3C of the National Colts Plate.