Drybrook 13ptsOkehampton 22pts
Drybrook were outmuscled for much of the first half against the newly promoted Devonians who proved to be a very well organised outfit.
It improved marginally in the second half for Drybrook but their inability to turn pressure into points owed more to Okehampton’s powerful defence than anything else and it left the home side still searching for their first victory.
The visitors went into an early lead with a penalty but this was soon cancelled out when Tom Treherne kicked one for the home side after 8 minutes.
Much of the rest of the first half was played out in mid field but Okehampton always looked the more likely to break through and almost did so when an interception nearly led to a score.
Drybrook survived and then a counter attack spearheaded by scrum half Mitch Baldwin brought the crowd to life but unfortunately he lacked support and the opportunity was wasted.
With 35 minutes gone the visitors grabbed their first try when a strike against the head led to some slick handling and a try mid way out.
It got worse for Drybrook from the restart when a poor cross field kick gave away possession on half way and Okehampton cruised in for a simple try under the sticks to increase their lead.
With a minute left of the half Drybrook out side half Tim Stevenson was yellow carded for a dangerous tackle to leave the home side in dire straits at the break.
Half Time;
Drybrook 3pts
Okehampton 15pts
Drybrook played well with 14 men and did most of the attacking during this period and Stevenson’s return gave them some optimism.
Unfortunately Drybrook were forced to play too much rugby in their own half and when they did finally put some pressure on the visitor’s line they invariably gave away a penalty.
A good passage of play eventually led to a second penalty from Treherne but Drybrook could not break through as they hit Okehampton with everything they had in an effort to close the gap.
Several penalty kicks to the corner came to nothing and Drybrook even shunned a penalty in front of goal in a futile attempt to get a try.
Drybrook’s were then hit with some bad luck when a bad ankle injury led to Stevenson being carried off andOkehampton began to take control again.
With 5 minutes left the visitors were awarded a penalty try following a big scrummage 15 metres out that led to the home side infringing.
It looked all over for Drybrook but they had the last say when another long bout of pressure finally brought a try for Sam Peaper which Treherne converted.
Drybrook will again be disappointed with their performance but sometimes you have to give credit to the opposition. Drybrook did create a lot of chances but too often the ball carrier was isolated and they will need to work on breaking down defences and varying their tactics when they get close to the line.
For Drybrook Henry Darch enjoyed a good debut in the centre with fellow backs Treherne and Baldwin also having good games.
Team: Tom Treherne, Harry Howard, Henry Darch, Jamie Cooke, Kristian Taft, Tim Stevenson, Mitch Baldwin, Huw Rimmer, Mitch Renton, Alex Wolfe, Will Greenway, Glenn Nott, Sam Peaper, Danny Price, Mitch Bourne.
Replacements: Ollie Gray, Lee Nightingill, Joe Tingle.
Coney Hill 2nds 14pts
Dursley 2nds 31pts