After short journey up the M5 the boys arrived fresh and ready to go. The story of the first half would be one of attack and missed opportunity. The play seemed to be all in Exmouth favour. The referee decided otherwise and ruled out efforts from Ross Morshead and Mark Wathes. The latter split the defence from just inside their half and cut his way to the try line. The man in the middle adjudged a knock on over the line. Weston’s James Mackay did have a missed penalty attempt after a few minutes on the clock but was unlucky from the tee throughout the game. It was 21 minutes before Mackay got a penalty attempt over to take the lead 3-0. That is the way the score stayed until after half-time.

During the break The Cockles would scratch their heads on how they were behind. Things did not get any easier when, 4 minutes in the second half, Centre Marcus Nell crossed for a try, conversion missed by Mackay, 8-0. Waiting for a try and unfortunately 5 minutes later Winger Matt Watkins crossed for the home side 2nd, once again missed conversion from Mackay. 13-0. The Cockles were in the game, albeit a little disjointed in their approach to finding field position to launch an attack of any real threat. Breaks did come but were snuffed out by tight,fine line defence from the hosts. 12 minutes of the second period gone, George Meadows got Exmouth on the board with a well taken penalty, 13-3. Mackay missed again for Weston. With 25 minutes left on the clock, Exmouth finally got their reward, James Harris went down for the try. A penalty drilled deep in to Weston territory, super catch and drive from the line-out from the forward pack, clearly travelling 20 metres, Harris touched down for the score, Meadow missed the extras. 13-8. The Cockles had found a formula and should have followed this throughout the remainder of the game. 5 minutes later Charlie Tribble, effective from the bench, went over for his try to tie the score at 13-13 and although the conversion was missed it did look as though the visitors would work to close out the game. The lads did all they could but eventually were frustrated. Working to get a decisive try, the referee felt Exmouth infringed and awarded a penalty that all but finished the game. Tom Whelan did get a penalty attempt from half way, on a blustery day. Right direction, unfortunately the kick just dropped short. A little indecision from Weston meant the game rolled on for another 4 minutes but eventually they kicked the ball away to touch, ending the match.

Travelling supporters might say that a draw was a little disappointing. On a day when Weston missed 13 points from kicks, the result could have been lost. Exmouth did get their opportunities and that may have swung the game in their favour. Frustrating for all concerned but a share of the points, away from home is a fair result. Weston clearly felt they had lost the encounter from a strong position.

The Cockles entertain Ivybridge next weekend, in what promises to be a super clash. Both teams will be looking to bounce back with a win. Coach Pez will have a strong player list to draw from, with an number of lads back in to contention.