Positives for Okehampton RFC to work on

Back-to-back games against the two favourites for promotion, Chew Valley and Devonport Services, always shaped up as a tough start to Okehampton's Tribute South West Regional Division One season, and so it's proved.

An 80-6 rout at Chew Valley was a chastening opener, but even though they also lost 35-19 to Services at The Showground at the weekend, the performance should have cheered up Okes supporters.

Their side crossed the Services' line three times and the return of fly-half Dan Fogerty, who's just skippered Bridestowe to promotion to the Devon Cricket League's 'A' Division for the first time, was an obvious lift.

Fogerty, Leon Horn and Saul Halliday all scored tries, with Fogerty adding two conversions, and Okehampton should go to Launceston this Saturday in more confident mood.

Relegated Barnstaple stared defeat in the face at home to always-strong Brixham and pulled it round - they trailed 13-20 to the Fishermen early in the second half, but stormed back to win 33-20.

Crediton were not at their strongest for the difficult Regional Two assignment at Wadebridge Camels, and the Black-and-Ambers came away with a 34-14 defeat.

Last season's Counties One Western West champions Topsham are already looking as if they'll prove every bit as formidable at 'Reg 2' level - they made it two-from-two with a 41-28 home win over Newton Abbot.

The Western West form book is a little tough to read in these early weeks of the season.

Promoted Tavistock lost (18-14) at last season's strugglers Falmouth on Day One, yet they bounced back to beat Kingsbridge 38-26 at home last Saturday.

And Falmouth duly hit the 'wall' in the shape of a Tiverton side which, after losing at Penryn seven days before, ran riot against them (74-17) at Bolham Road.

One team which has started well in that division is Bideford, who beat Penryn 27-17 to earn their second successive victory.

Paignton, who also struggled for most of last season, upset Wiveliscombe 21-17 at the Recreation Ground.

South Molton have made an encouraging start in Counties Two Devon - they followed up an opening day win at OPMs with another, 40-29 home win over Plymouth Argaum.

Last season's runners-up Torquay Athletic should be up there again - they were too good for Exeter Saracens (26-16) - while North Tawton had to soak up a 70-10 hammering at Devonport Services 2nds.