The shocking weather was biblical and the ending of the game drew many parallels with a couple of previous outings. The Cockles had some luck on their side when George Meadows stepped up with a 40 metre penalty kick, on 44 minutes of the second half. He had missed an earlier attempt from a closer position at the start of the 2nd half.

First time visitors Royal Wootton Bassett RFC, celebrating their 50th Anniversary season, arrived as newly promoted to South West Premier league rugby. They definitely looked comfortable taking the lead, after both teams traded penalties on 5 and 8 minutes. 3-3. A few handling errors and frantic phases, it was the visitors who went over out wide for the first try of the afternoon, Dan Hales touched down, conversion missed, 3-8. Exmouth were getting to their stride and starting to find some good patterns of play. It was team play with a touch of individual class from Lewis Geran who crossed the try-line next, converted by Meads, 10-8 to the home side. The Cockles did have a final opportunity to increase their lead however the momentum fizzled out. There was yellow card for the visitors who would start the 2nd half with 14 men.

After the aforementioned missed penalty from Meadows, both teams took to pressing buttons to find the right combination to open the defence. The Cockles scrum stability was much improved and could be attributed to the welcome return of Shane Cooper & Charlie Gibbings and debut prop Matt Hicks. Along with Gareth and Will, this definitely set a strong platform. Sam Fulthorpe at scrum half was also assured in tough conditions. Despite this, it was a try and conversion from Tom Fieldsend that kickstarted a very nervy final quarter for the spectators. 10-15 down, Royal Wootton Bassett received their second yellow card of the afternoon, a kick to the corner and it was Gibbo who went over from the resultant drive, Meads added the kick, 17-15 with 10 minutes to play. The good old penalty count appeared on defence and Fieldsend slotted the kick to take the visitors back into the lead, 17-18. From the restart The Cockles showed resilience and determination to get back down the field. The clock had turned red. After moving the ball to just inside the opposition half-way line, they were rewarded with a long range penalty. Meads stepped up, struck a wet, greasy ball off the tee. Hit the right hand upright, the ball bounced over the crossbar, 20-18 to the Cockles. Pressure kick, not at all.

The result keeps Exmouth in 4th place, with a visit to 3rd placed Bournemouth on Saturday 9th October. This will be another stiff test in this very competitive league. The squad delivered resilience and generally great defensive set, there were some strong individual performances, which will make for a great training week with a number of players pushing for places.
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Our NOMADS travelled to Ilfracombe on Saturday, running out winners 49-5. With several players in unfamiliar positions this was a great team performance. The NOMADSs now sit 2nd in Devon Merit Table 2 (NE). South Molton 2nd team top the table by virtue of playing more games. Bideford at our place next Saturday 9th.

All good to go, Cockles 2nd Team were sadly let down on Friday, their opposition were short of a large number of players being away and could not make the visit to our house. Disappointing for the lads, the squad now in 4th place in Devon Merit Table 1, with most teams around them having played more games.