1st Team v Bracknell RFC

The Cockles were totally dominant at scrum time, made effective and incisive breaks throughout the game from Nick Headley, Matty Ryan and Lewis Geran and got themselves in to scoring position throughout the match. Unfortunately, they could not get across the try line, with a final knock on, turnover and penalty awarded against them under the post. This was a scrappy affair that on balance, the hosts deserved to shade after crafting two scores out wide. They also defended resolutely which was frustrating the Cockles. Bracknell did to them what they had done to Okehampton a few weeks ago.

Tries from Ian Burch and Ben Yates, one converted was enough to ensure Exmouth returned with nothing from their trip to Berkshire, going down 12-0.

Scoring opportunities did come, George Meadows had a couple of shots from the tee for penalties, but the furious weather didn’t help, both missed. The line out misfired a couple of times and that meant scrapping for ball that they should have secured. Front five Charlie Tribble, Nick Halse, Shane Cooper who put in several big hits, Steve Pape and skipper Jack Fahy ensured the Bracknell scrum spent most of the afternoon going backwards. Back row Dan Armstrong, Charlie Mears and Dave Bargent were industrious about the park. The introduction of James Goss and Joe Harris during the second half ensured continuity and control. Centre Nick Headley did take a knock early on and was replaced by Jack Downie, also keeping stable pattern alongside Robbie Weeks. Throughout the afternoon there were a few positional changes with the lads for James Bath and Jacob Unwin.

In the final 10 minutes Bracknell picked up a yellow card when replacement prop Harry Challenor was caught on an infringement as Exmouth were on the attack. The Cockles chose to scrum the penalty, as they had total dominance, instead of sending on a prop to replace the sin bin player, the hosts opted for uncontested scrums. Once again trying the Cockles patience, as this nullified their game strength and possible push over or penalty try. The match ended with a very damp fizzle, the Cockles would be very disappointed, perhaps with their whole game management. Two weeks until their next outing, a big home game against Brixham on 9th November.

With the Rugby World Cup Final between England and South Africa on the Saturday 2nd November, there is no club action with The Cockles supporting the Red Rose at the clubhouse. Please join us for our Big Breakfast from 8.15 am