"Firstly a huge thank you to both Hornets and Bargoed who made the day such a success. With 13 players unavailable, the day didn't quite work out to the original plan regarding itinerary and the flexibility of these two teams , who also ended up playing each other for 40 minutes, meant that everyone gained valuable game time ahead of the League season kick off.

"A sound 14-5 victory over an always impressive Hornets outfit was ground out with a high work rate in both attack and defence. We have huge amounts of respect for Hornets , and feel that they will have a very strong season in National Three. They were a big test of our defensive shape and discipline and I was delighted that we came through this test.

"Bargoed were a step up , and their ability to offload and counter attack was testing to say the least! The initial 40 minutes was very competitive before we fatigued with some tired legs and rotated our side, giving a senior debut to 17 year old Colt and second row, Daniel Armstrong (son of Bob) , and looked at some different combinations. Another Exmouth youth product George Mears, fresh out of the colts, put in a sterling display at full back and scored an excellent try from the half way line.

"With less than two weeks to go to our first league game, we look forward to welcoming an Exeter Chiefs Academy XV to the Imperial Ground this Thursday, 6.45pm kick off. We hope to have a large number of players back to make selection a big headache for the first league game. This list includes props Isaac Dalton and Shane Cooper, Second rows Jack Fahy, Jim Massey and Milo Reynolds, Back rowers Dave Bargent and Mike Richards and backs James Mattin, Tom Bedford and Ollie Rice. "

Saturday's man of the match , sponsored by match sponsors Mini's Academy went to scrum half Matt Ryan (picture)

Ends

Regards

Jon Hill
Exmouth RFC Head Coach
Sponsored by Soft Works