The 2nd xv were comfortable winners in their league game with Dings, the 3rd xv beat last years Merit Table One winners Okehampton 2nd xv in an impressive scalp , and the colts beat Exeter Saracens.

Considering the knock on effect of the huge injury crisis affecting the 1st xv at the moment, to even raise four senior sides is a massive achievement.

On top of all of this, four Cockles represented Devon Under 18’s in their 25-25 draw with Dorset and Wilts , with Ethan Langdon-Justice and Sam Fulthorpe scoring.

Dings 1st xv were ruthless in a top quality performance , exposing some week Cockles defence in what was a disappointing performance. Far too many players had an off day , and to be fair to Dings they were a quality side who caught us at our weakest and worst. They were very lively in behind and mixed it up with a strong set piece and maul game.

Losing captain Jack Fahy to the sin bin and then to injury was a blow , as was losing prop Paul Flower to injury later in the game. We didn’t get it right tactically or mentally and were duly punished.

Perhaps the most worrying was the way we capitulated when we had fought our way back into the game with two tries and were looking to build and chase a bonus point.

We hope to welcome back props Tom Brown and Tom Barnard, back rowers Ben Hawley and Ross Morshead, fly half Tom Whelan, centre Mark Wathes and full back Richard Bright for next weeks game at home to Newbury. An important game to get our season back on track. Alex Goldman, Harvey Ridgeway and Matt Daymant have all been ruled out till Christmas , and Owen Nesbitt looks like spending a short time on the sidelines with a shoulder injury. Back Rower James Harris becomes available in two weeks time and will be a big defensive boost.

Team of the weekend : The Nomads for beating a side from the league above , and indeed a side who won the league above last season. Well Done to Tinners and his men.