Every week you want to see a game that serves excitement, skill and commitment from both teams. This one certainly delivered that to the watching spectators. Although the final score 26-5 to The Cockles looks like it was clear cut, especially with a 4 try Bonus Point win, this was far from the case.
Okehampton arrived with a fair record, newly promoted to South West Premier, they certainly challenged Exmouth in several areas. Strong running forwards, pacey backs, homegrown players and smart recruitment including former Cockle Richard Bolt at scrum half. There was an early change after a couple of minutes for the home side, Joe Harris coming on in place of James Harris who tweaked a leg muscle. It was clear that Exmouth forwards would go on to dominate at scrum time and their own line out. After several phases of pressure and great work from the pack, Charlie Tribble muscled his way over, converted by George Meadows. 7-0. What ensued was a tough contest between the two teams. Each breaking the gain line, each snuffing out attack with strong defence. It took until 25 minutes before the visitors scored their only try of the game. Great flowing movement and a well worked training ground move, split the Exmouth defence, wing Ryan Lee went over out wide, Full Back Richard Friend missed the conversion. The game was still tight, however The Cockles were causing havoc up front. Our backline of James Bath, Meads, Nick Headley, Dan Sanders, Sam Whitehead with Matty Ryan and Lewis Geran on the wings, looked tricky in attack and resolute in their defence. Geran particularly pulled of a couple of super try saving stops. Just before half-time Exmouth delivered two well taken tries from the forwards. First Dan Armstrong burrowed over, converted by Meads. Then Tribs added his second try, unconverted, 19-5 at the break.
40 minutes of second half action, spent mostly in the Exmouth 22 metre area, Okehampton hammered on the door to get over the line. Stunning defensive sets from our pack, Nick Halse, Shane Cooper, Steve Pape, Dave Bargent, Joe Harris and Skip Jack Fahy, kept Okey from scoring. When the hosts worked the ball to wide channels it was the backs who closed the route. The visitors did cross the try line twice in the second period, however the ferocity of the defence tackles dislodged the ball and Okehampton knocked on when trying to ground the ball. It took until 74 minutes before The Cockles sealed their bonus point win. Smart team play up-field eventually saw Steve Pape side-step his way over to score, Meadows added the extras, 26-5.
Okehampton came with intent on their part, robust and thorny. It brought out the best Cockles defensive set this term. Interchanges from the bench with Jack Madge and Henry Goldson allowed the home side to keep constant throughout the second half. No doubt, this was a great team performance all round.
Lewis Geran Sponsored by Exmouth Mussels got the MOM award. Dangerous in attack with some great cover tackles.
Next up the 1st XV are on the road to Weston-super-Mare.