Winscombe RFC defeat Okehampton for first win of season

The Winscombe first XV entertained Okehampton at the weekend in Regional 2 Tribute South West and came away with their first win of the season against one of last year’s top performing teams in the league, writes John Podpadec.

Playing up the Longfield slope but with a strong wind at their backs Winscombe started strongly and were soon exerting pressure near the Okehampton line. A smart play to the right eventually saw the ball moved to wing Harry Brean on halfway, who despite having a lot to do, skipped his way through a number of tackles to score in the corner, centre Sam Dearsley converting from the touchline.

Smart kicking by Winscombe kept Okehampton pinned inside their 22 for long periods of the first half and when they were forced over their own line the resulting 5 metre scrum was an ideal opportunity for a blind-side move. Winscombe No.8 Ewan Griffith picked up at the base and fed scrum-half and captain for the day Lewis Podpadec who forced his way through to score Winscombe’s second try.

As the match moved to half-time there was time for another impressive move by the Winscombe back line. Left wing Ru Schofield made a fine diagonal run to the right flank, linking with Brean who fed fullback Ollie Walrond to again score in the right hand corner, Winscombe going into the break with a healthy 19-0 lead.

After a period of stalemate at the beginning of the second half Winscombe looked set to score their bonus point try but a loose pass allowed Okehampton to break out of their 22 and to race upfield, coming away with a well worked converted try. But despite having a number of chances to build on this score Okehampton failed to do so and a resolute Winscombe defence then kept them at bay for the remainder of the game, Podpadec eventually kicking the ball dead to seal the win.

Next weekend Winscombe travel away to face Tiverton and will hope to maintain this early season form.