Against the run of play, against and unbeaten Ivybridge, a simple infringement gave the hosts the opportunity to grab the lead with a penalty, 3-0. For the next 20 minutes Exmouth took control of the game on the new artificial playing surface and stamped their mark on the game. Stunning team tries from Dave Bargent on 10 minutes and Jack Downie on 28 minutes, both converted by Tom Whelan, gave the visitors the 3-14 lead. Occasionally a team is vulnerable just they have scored and so it proved as Ivy replied on 31 minutes and kicked a penalty on 34 minutes that brought them back to 13-14. Simple errors and generosity with the penalty count were going to cost dear. The Cockles lost Connor O’Shaughnessy to a yellow card just before half-time, however went in to the break with a slender 13-14 lead.

The break did help stablise, even with a man down , Whelan kicked a long range penalty to increase the Cockles lead to 13-17. 9 minutes in to the second half and with Exmouth still down to 14, Ivybridge forward pack took serious advantage being awarded a penalty try for collapse scrum. This heralded a 6 minute spell where Ivybridge turned the screw and effectively closed out the game. Two more converted scores made it 34-17. The visitors showed true spirit and determination to grab a try through Sam Whitehead with the extras by George Meadow closing the gap to 24-34. However on 60 minutes Ivybridge breached the defence going over for their final converted score 41-24. The final 10 minutes Exmouth went seeking a bonus point try. They were finally rewarded right on time when Skipper Jack Fahy went over after some patient work from the forwards. The final action went to Meadows who brought the score to 41-31.

To the faithful supporters it would seem that Exmouth can and should win away from home. Despite the score-line the Cockles were in this game and had control. Indiscipline and simple errors cost the game. Eradicate these two and continue to play with the style and desire they have shown over the first few weeks of the season, they will be rewarded.

Maidenhead are the visitors on Saturday 6th October.