The spectators for this encounter with Camborne were looking forward to an entertaining afternoon of rugby. The crowd was bolstered by a large number of past players joining a reunion to talk up old times. What they watched was a share of 65 points and 9 tries, the Cockles came out winners 38-27 to secure 5 league points.

It took 17 minutes for the first try, scored and converted by full-back Sam Whitehead, 7-0. As with most recent games the opposition hit back almost immediately with a converted try of their own, 7-7. Closing in on half time Camborne worked their way in to range and were awarded a penalty which they duly kick to take the lead 7-10. Due to a previous injury stoppage the clock still had time for a lot of activity. Mark Wathes ghosted through the defence to touch down, converted by Whitehead, the lead back to Exmouth 14-10. Guess what? Exmouth defensive effort failed and at 45 minutes of the first half the visitors scored their 2nd try through Andreus Zacharavas, the extras from Rhys Brownfield, 14-17 to take the lead back.

The break helped Exmouth regroup and they came out firing when tricky Mark Wathes when over for his brace, the conversion from Sam Whitehead, 21-14. After a further twelve minutes Whitehead increased The Cockles lead with a penalty 24-14. Another twelve minutes passed before Camborne when Alex Ducker crossed the whitewash for his score, conversion missed by Brownfield, 24-22. Entering the final quarter of the game and the hosts took control with their Try Bonus Point secured from a run in by replacement Harvey Ridgeway, Whitehead again kicked a super conversion from wide out, 31-22. Exmouth try count was completed when Centre Dave Bargent finished a super solo run to score try number 5. Sam Whitehead added to his tally with a final conversion, 38-22. The visitors were chasing something from their journey from Cornwall and did grab their Try Bonus Point right on full-time. Rhodri McAtee touched down, this went unconverted.
Honestly. This was played out by two teams who have secured South West Premier League status for next term. Not flashy but there was some great skill on show. The Cockles forwards, Nick Halse, Will Ridout, Shane Cooper, Steve Pape, James Harris, Connor O’Shaughnessy, Mike Richards, Matt Fowler, Sam Richardson and Skip Jack Fahy out-muscled the large Camborne pack. Ultimately Exmouth got the upper hand with more power and provided a platform for backs, Lloyd Watkins, George Meadows, Nick Headley, and Fin Marks along with they try scorers to ensure the victory on their final home game this season.

The Cockles travel to Cleve in Bristol next Saturday to close out the season. Already relegated, the hosts will be playing for pride so will make Exmouth work for every point, in their attempt to move up a place in the final table.