Okehampton took the kick and Honiton looked menacing from the off. As they worked the park the Oakes didn’t really seem to get out of the starting blocks. It was Will Tyers who started the Lacemens points tally with a good run in through the centre following a well presented ball to cross under the wood work. Ross Oaten added the extras to take the Honiton lads 7-0 up. The young Lacemen looked confident and possession was kept for long periods of play. Dion Warner found the line next as he found himself on the receiving end of a well-placed cross field kick and ran it in with pace. A swirling wind stopped the conversion from finding its target. Okehampton tried to get back in the game, but Honiton’s defence stood firm. Will Tyers found himself weaving through Okes defence and stormed the line to earn his second try, taking the visitors 17-0 to the good. Honiton may have been guilty of starting the celebrations a little early and Okehampton were soon back in the game following a well kicked penalty. A high kick minutes later got behind Honiton’s defence, and with Honiton scrabbling back the ball was desperatly collected. However Okehampton made short work getting up the pitch to pin Honiton down, and a subsequent turn over ball found the line. The conversion also landed to leave the score 17-10 going in to the break. Honiton restarted and as the ball was gathered by the Okes it was very apparent that they intended to stay in the game. Honiton now struggled to keep hold of possession and also spent long periods of time pinned in their own half. With defence the order of the day, Okehampton were denied any further points for the next twenty minutes or so. However they knocked on Honiton’s door on many occasions. It was the constant bombardment that eventually saw Honiton’s defence slip and Okehampton ran in to score in the corner "a little too far for the kick". With the score now 15-17 Honiton had to step up a gear and as they broke out of their half frustration set in from Okehampton, Honiton found some breathing space when Ross Oaten struck and slotted a 3 pointer in front of the sticks. Honiton simply dug in and defended their line time after time as Okehampton launched attack after attack. Within the closing minutes of the game Honiton turned over and were able to run the ball out of danger. Keeping possession, territory was inturn gained. Dion Warner collected a clean ball and it was only his pure determination and strength that broke 3 or 4 tackles to find the line earning him not only a brace but also Honiton’s bonus point and Honiton’s Man of the match. With Okehampton needing 2 scores in as many minutes the Lacemen slowed up the game until the clock was spent.
Next week Honiton Colts entertain Ivybridge for their return leg 3.00pm KO.