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1st XV v Cleve

1st XV v Cleve

Ian Harris4 Sep 2018 - 22:00
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Back to South West Premier League action for Exmouth 1st XV and a great start for the team, supporters and new Head Coach Steve Perry.

A strong pre-season built on skills and fitness, with a great numbers at training, ensured tough competition for places in the starting line-up.
Visitors Cleve proved a tough nut to crack and the game was open throughout. Indeed Cleve took an early lead, virtually from kick off after a simple penalty offence, 0-3. Both teams were looking to work space and it was the Cockles through Jack Downie, who cut through to touch down after 7 minutes. Harry Ottaway slotted the first of 4 conversions during the afternoon, 7-3. The see saw game tipped to Cleve who scored a converted try next, 7-10. 16 minutes from half time the young Exmouth side upped their pace and work rate to catch Cleve on the hop. Tries came from Dave Bargent and Harry Ottaway after chasing down his own kick and an error by the Cleve Fullback. Also a great individual try from evergreen Birthday Boy Mark Wathes, secured the try bonus point. Ottaway hit two more conversions bringing the score to 26-10 after the first 40 minutes.
Cleve were rejuvenated after the break and scored the next two tries, one converted, closing the gap to 26-22. Exmouth then took back control in all areas of play to stretch the lead on 63 minutes. Great forward work resulted in a try for Nick Halse bringing the score to 31-22. Moving in to the final quarter of the match and both teams were looking to make the incisive blow that would make a difference. Cleve were hunting a fourth try of their own however a feature of the game was determined defense from the Cockles, several Cleve attacks were closed down with crunching hits. It was fitting that the industrious Jack Downie collected his second score of the afternoon, duly converted by Harry Ottaway. Final score 38-22, Cleve denied any bonus points. Sam Fulthorpe at scrum-half, from last season’s Colts, made an assured debut start.
Much to please the watching crowd on their first outing of the season, there is a new fizz about the players.
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