Tribute Western Counties West

Okehampton 27 Cullompton 12

Cullompton journeyed to Okehampton on Saturday with an air of resolve, as this was their first encounter after the departure of coaches Chris Wall and Altan Ozdemir and the players realised that the outcome of the game was entirely down to them.

A Cully try for winger Marcus Busch in the fifth minute gave the visitors the lead until three minutes before the break, when, with the ball inches from the home line, an Okehampton turnover and break away try saw them walk in with a 10-5 lead instead of trailing 3-12 as had looked likely only moments earlier.

They administered the knockout blow with another backs try two minutes into the second-half before their rejigged eight consolidated their victory with two pushover scores.

Too late, Cullompton changed up a gear and created several chances, only one of which was turned into points by Sam Harris with five minutes left on the clock - but at least it made the final score of 27-12 a more realistic reflection of the action.

Although this was one more in a long line of defeats for the team what was noticeable this week was the attitude of the players who stayed on the pitch at the end of the match in animated discussion joined by supporters and the injured John Snell.

This is a far cry from the introverted brooding atmosphere experienced last week and many would say a tribute to Steve Luxon, who as director of rugby in a troubled time, could well turn his baptism of fire into the foundation of a new start.

Steve has had the burden of organising temporary coaching arrangements and keeping the playing club together.

Details of his pre-match talk will of course stay in the changing room but it would appear, by the demeanour of the side after the game that he has pulled off a bit of that old Luxy magic.

Everyone is looking forward to the meeting with Crediton at Stafford Park this coming Saturday