2nd XV v Okehampton 2nd XV(Away)
In contrast to the week before, the 2nd XV had their work cut out to contain a high flying Okey outfit. With a couple of players promoted to the 1st team and a couple of unavailabilities, it fell to the bare squad to battle the elements on the edge of Dartmoor. Hardly ideal conditions however it was speedster Harvey Ridgeway who scored first, off the kick ahead from Harry Ottaway, 0-5. By half time Okehampton had leveled up at 5-5.
In a highly competitive game that the Cockles seemed to dominate, simple errors and turnover ball that restricted scoring opportunities. With 10 minutes left on the clock, Okehampton bagged the next score and converted, 12-5. The Exmouth lads worked hard to get field position and after being camped on the Okehampton line finally went driving over through Dan Armstrong, Rich Cadywould converted to tie the game 12-12. The Cockles will scratch their heads on how they missed their chance to take a win. Next week Ivybridge at home will prove an equally tough test.

Nomads v Honiton 2nd XV (Away)
Exmouth Nomads made the short trip to Honiton which is always a difficult fixture, and again proved true this season with the Nomads going down 27-10.

The Nomads squad was tested to the limit this week with a number of unavailabilities meaning a fair few players playing in unfamiliar positions. A special mention must be made to both Ian Urmston and Phil Curtis who both stepped out of retirement to help the Nomads in their hour of need, with both players putting in a huge shift in tough conditions.

The match was played out in monsoon conditions which meant there were plenty of scrums for the large Exmouth front row of Dan Carey, Rich Crellin & Neil Sharland to get stuck into winning all their own and a large portion of the opposition ball.

Exmouth first try came from Dan Dickson who showed great pace to finish off a back line move from just outside opposition’s twenty two. Dan has now bagged two tries in two weeks for the Nomads and has made an exceptional start to his first season in senior rugby. Exmouth second try came through power house Dan Carey who picked a great line to power through the defence from close range.

Exmouth suffered a number of injuries in the second half resulting in more positional changes which Honiton were able to capitalise on and take full advantage. The match also saw Joe Schunk make his first senior appearance for the club, Joe rose to the challenge putting in a number of defensive hits on the much larger Honiton pack.

Man of the match this week went to Lloyd Murrin who delivered an accomplished performance in conditions not suited for back play. The recipient of the night shirt this week was Bob Skelly, for knocking on two metres from his own line under no pressure which resulted in Exmouth conceding significant field position. Who would want to play full back in those conditions? – Next Saturday 29th v Sidmouth 2nd XV away. (Report; Rich Haynes)

Colts
Exmouth Rugby Colts played out to a 10-10 draw in an improving team effort. Growing in confidence, the young Cockles looked to grab the win in this ranking fixture for the next league stage. Hats off to both teams for trying to play handling rugby, it was Exmouth who bagged 2 tries, Jack Greenaway in the first half and Tom Pengilley after the break. Honiton kicked a penalty and scored one converted try of their own to level up the score. Next up Sidmouth in two weeks unless the lads can get a friendly fixture in between.

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