Lydney RFC brought a quick running style of play, with a large number of supporters on a clear bright afternoon. It was a sell out LADIES DAY at Exmouth RFC, with the home crowd bolstered to watch a lively game play out.

The visitors took the lead on three minutes through Kurt Brown. George Meadows replied with two penalties in the first 15 minutes, 6-5. A score from Brad Dunn with Tom Broady conversion, 6-12 to Lydney. The physicality of the game shuddered bodies, the pace on the ball from Exmouth backline made life difficult for The Severnsiders. Dave Bargent smashed over, Matty Ryan scored two super tries & Charlie Gibbings added to his growing season tally, all with two more conversions from Meads, 30-12 at the break.

The second half shaped up to be a rout, although Lydney had other ideas and stuck to their task well. Quick tries for Fin Marks & Nick Headley, following some fabulous interplay started by Lewis Geran, then two more Meads conversions pushed the score to 44-12. Fin added his second try, converted, 51-12 with 15 minutes to go, the COCKLES stopped scoring. Forward pack dominance, a corner stone of the early onslaught, the game changed direction with a very resilient Lydney chasing two more tries to steal an unexpected four try bonus point. They got both tries before the end of the game, 51-22.

Another strong team performance, not the best, with a few points lost through simple handling errors, nothing more than that. Still engaging to the end. With title chasing Brixham losing at home to Sidmouth on Saturday, the gap has closed for the COCKLES to grab another place up the league.

Our LADIES Day guests voted Charlie Gibbings & Dave Bargent joint Man of The Match, presented by Marlene Price, long standing club member & wife of passed COCKLES front row legend Mike Price.

Next up for the 1st TEAM, Saturday 22nd March, on the road to Matson RFC. With Sidmouth RFC at home on Saturday 5th April to conclude the season.

HUGE THANKS to our crew who made the day such a magnificent success, with Andrea & Zoe, Gabrielle & Phoebe, Graham (and his mum Penny) on menu, COCKLES U15s on table service and our wonderful bar team who kept the prosecco flowing. All topped off with a performance from local singing legend Ian Boyd. Thank you for joining us.

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EXMOUTH QUINS lost out 29-7 on the road at Dartmouth RFC 1st XV. Despite scoring first, the lads were unable to capitalise on their strong start.

EXMOUTH COLTS went down at home to Topsham RFC Colts, a real humdinger that was open right up to the end of the game, final score 26-29. The boys take on Plymstock Oaks at home on Saturday 15th March, kick off at 2.30 pm. NOMADS head up to Exeter Saracens RFC 2nd Team. There is also screening on the Big TV, of the Men’s 6 Nations final day action at the rugby club on Saturday, from 2.15 pm. Please join us where you can.

Sunday 16th March, EXMOUTH RUGBY U18 Girls head to Plymouth to take on Devonport Services girls in a Devon Cup semi-final. Kick off at 2.00 pm. EXMOUTH RUGBY WOMEN make the journey into Cornwall to take on Falmouth RFC Ladies.

#COCKLES