COCKLES once again, came away with two bonus points from a game that could have yielded a higher haul. The game slipped away, very deep into overtime, against a resurgent Chew Valley RFC.

First half tries from Lewis Geran and brace from Robbie Weeks with two George Meadows conversions took Exmouth into the break 10-19 up. All three tries came from electric breaks and super inter-passing, notably from Nick Headley, Fin Marks & Matt Ryan. The lads played down the slope and took their chances reasonably well, although they were camped on the South Bristol side try line on a number of occasions, however, could not find the killer touch against a very stingy defence. The Exmouth forward pack looked in control at scrum time and had improved success at line out, the full trundle towards the goal line, brought down a couple of times. At the opposite end the hosts were awarded a penalty try from our defensive set.

Chew Valley are always best at home and so it proved for this second half of the game, with the home side fighting for league survival. Despite the COCKLES increasing their lead through an Oli Cave try with Meads extras, 10-26, that is where Exmouth luck ran out. Fair to say the hosts were robust and very close to the off-side line throughout the game, our boys could not cope with a number of yellow cards, down to men 13 at one time, high penalty count with some not so obvious to both sets of supporters watching, also an increasing number of player injuries forcing a reshuffle in the side. One final rumble from a Chew Valley line out that the COCKLES had just won, before a quizzical line out reset, the home side were given a second opportunity to crash over, down the hill in front of their vocal support. A game that seemed to run over fifty minutes for the second period, ended 29-26 to Chew Valley.

A valiant effort during a tough afternoon, some dazzling play with a few errors that can be ironed out. It was good to see second row Oli Mason return after a long layoff. Still placed fourth in Regional 1 South West League, the COCKLES have lost their last five games by very fine margins, an overall average of just 3 points per game. In this league of twelve competitive teams, anything can happen.

Next up on Saturday 25th February, visitors Matson RFC arrive at The Royal Avenue, kick off at 2.00 pm. COCKLES 1st TEAM will be looking to deliver their first win of 2025. This is a rearranged fixture from previous cancellation due to poor weather. Please join us at The Royal Avenue to support The COCKLES.
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COCKLES QUINS lost out 24-63, at home to league title chasers Devonport Services 2nd XV. COLTS went down to Plymstock Oaks RFC Colts, the game a lot closer than the 50-17 loss suggests. Result of the Day COCKLES NOMADS entertained Tiverton RFC 3rd XV, a keenly contested match up, with the Exmouth taking a fine 46-27 win.

A real mix of games next weekend;
Friday 24th January, COCKLES Under 15 take on Exeter Saracens RFC U15 at home, kick off at 7.00pm, bar open from 6.30 pm.
Friday 24th January, COCKLES NOMADS travel to Topsham RFC to take on Topsham RFC 3rd XV. Kick off at 7.30 pm.
Saturday 25th January, QUINS play Topsham RFC 2nd XV, playing at CTCRM Lympstone as Topsham pitch is unavailable. Kick off at 2.30 pm.

Please join us where you can.

#COCKLES