An early trade of penalties from Mitch Pinkus and George Meadows, all square on 12 minutes. Our boys hit their stride and delivered some fabulous tries from Lewis Geran and Matty Ryan, both following interplay with Fin Marks & Tommy Foa, making the final pass. One converted by Meads. The COCKLES were awarded a penalty try when Brixham slapped the ball down, as Fin passed to score, 22-3 up on twenty two minutes. Scrum dominance and intermittent lineout helped keep the COCKLES on the front foot, until Mitch Pinkus kicked second penalty, with Koree Britton landing try, 22-11 at the break.

A feature of Brixham this season is their dogged determination, ten consecutive league wins on the trot, that proved to be the COCKLES undoing. Bryn Edwards scored a try wide left to increase Exmouth lead to 27-11, it seemed to be going well. Our boys did have other scoring opportunities, however missed the accuracy to complete the play and score important points. The next 30 minutes turned the game completely on its head, with tries from Connor Doneathy, Tommie Drennan with Jason Capaldi, very deep into injury time. Mitch Pinkus converted all three. Despite losing strong running Toby Papp to injury and Robbie Weeks for ten minutes for accidental offside, it looked like The COCKLES had done enough to secure the ball to close out the game, taking the ball from the lineout on their own try line, the resultant carry to ruck was turned over by the sheer doggedness of the visitors, ball passed out wide right for the try, game over 27-32. Two bonus points for The COCKLES, Brixham took five league points to top the Regional 1 South West table, much to the delight of a huge contingent of away team travelling supporters. Barnstaple lost out at Ivybridge, although they also gained two losing league points. Still very tight across the top four, this is going to be some end to a good season. Anything can happen, please come down and support Exmouth Rugby when you can.

Now in fourth place, the squad with coaching team, will regroup during the week, in preparation for a visit to Chew Valley RFC near Bristol, on Saturday 18th January. A very tough test indeed. The lads have all the right playing cards, they just need to play them in the right order to recapture their winning position.

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COCKLES QUINS & COLTS both lost out on Saturday, strong performances against Plymouth Argaum RFC 1st XV, 27-0 and Topsham Colts, 19-14, did not reflect the squad effort and competition on the day. We move on to next Saturday 18th January. QUINS take on Devonport Services RFC 2nd at home, kick off at 2.00 pm. NOMADS entertain Tiverton RFC 3rd XV at home, kick off at 2.15pm, with COLTS travelling to Plymstock Oaks RFC Colts.