Exmouth 2s were on the road at Devonport Services and this victory cemented their place at the top of the Devon Merit Table. This term is proving to be a tough challenge in every game and each side came to secure the win. Services made the brighter start and crossed for a converted try after 6 minutes, 7-0. 5 minutes later Harvey Ridgeway stepped on the gas to cross for the Cockles 7-5. Against the breeze Exmouth were finding it tough to get a foothold in the game. On 23 minutes Services scored a converted try again, then on 34 minutes crossed for another try. At 19-5 down heading towards half time, Exmouth had a hill to climb over the next 40 minutes.

There was a delay due to injury to one of the Services lads and the game was moved to an adjacent pitch. We wish him well for a speedy recovery.

It took 2 minutes to start the ascent. Prop Matt Fowler picked up his first try for the club, after several rolling drive phases from the Cockles pack. Tom Steer converted for the extras, 19-12. 10 minutes later No 8 James Goss picked up from the base of a scrum and crossed for a score, Steer obliged again 19-19. Devonport did try to retake the lead on 58 minutes, a missed simple penalty in front of the posts. Tom was more accurate and launched a huge 60 meter penalty kick to take the Cockles in to the lead 22-19. This was a position that Exmouth would not relinquish and a deft chip from the boot of Fly Half Steer, was caught on the run by Harvey who raced over for his second try. Tom added the extras, 29-19. A remarkable turnaround, engineered on the strength, power and downright dominance from the forwards, coupled with great distribution and pace from the backs.

Once again several players will continue to make their claim to challenge for a 1st team place.

The 2nd team travel to Barnstaple next week, to make a double header day with the 1st team.

Devon Merit Table 1