The game did not fail to entertain as we hosted 2nd place Old Redcliffians. Bringing speed, size and physicality with them, the Bristol outfit did look like title contenders.

Both sides went hammer and tongs and it took nearly 20 minutes for the first points of the afternoon, a penalty try from late tackle, 0-7. Exmouth down to 14 with a 10 minute break for Sam Plumer. George Meadows opened his account with a penalty on 26 minutes, 3-7. Although pretty even throughout it was the visitors who hit their stride with tries from George Smith and Tom Williams, converted by Ashley Groves, 3-21 right on half time.

The Cockles faithful were about to see the determination of a side that will keeping fighting for league points. The 18 point deficit was not only cut, but overturned in 14 minutes with tries from Sam Plumer, Nick Headley & Dave Bargent all converted by Meadows. The tries were built with forward power, slick hands with individual skill from each scorer. 24-21 to The Cockles. With seventeen minutes remaining both teams were still knocking lumps out of each other and seeking that decisive score. A momentary uncharacteristic lapse in defence allowed Old Reds Donald Farmer to slip through for a final try with extras added by Dominic Sprague, 24-28. The last 10 minutes were played out with The Cockles seeking that break to come back again. Eventually they ran out of time despite several attempts to get up field. The game ended with a penalty that Old Reds decided to kick to touch to close out their win. Exmouth did finish with a losing bonus point for their endeavour.

A game that showed real character and fight from the home side. Something to build on and carry forward to next week. Exmouth did lose skipper Jack Fahy through injury however good to see Connor O’Shaughnessy back. Also a 1st Team debut run out for prop Danny Martin.

The Cockles are on the road to Wiltshire with a first visit to Royal Wootton Bassett. In October Exmouth just took the win 20-18.
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Exmouth QUINS with a young side, lost out to Devonport Services 15-19. This was a pretty even contest with 3 tries apiece. Missed conversions and a couple of attacking phases thwarted at the try line did not help the Cockles. However their defensive set and some great turnover ball did keep them in contention throughout this Devon Merit Table 1 match up. The Cockles 2nd Team squad stay in 3rd place in their league. Teignmouth are the visitors to the Imperial Ground on Saturday 22nd January.

Exmouth Colts travelled to Sidmouth in their first stage Merit Table East game. Despite an improving performance the lads lost out to an older, well drilled side. Next up Cockles Colts take on Topsham at home on Saturday 22nd January.