Barum second string are current Merit Table 1 leaders, with our boys close on their heels, with two games in hand to play. This match up was going to be a real battle, we lost out in the home game. The Cockles made the perfect start up the slope when James Goss hurtled over, conversion from the boot of Tom Steer. This was a see-saw game, partly controlled by the blustery wind and it was Barnstaple who got themselves in position to score next, 5-7 to Exmouth. With the downhill slope advantage, Barum battered the Cockles try line for fully 20 minutes however they could not break the defence. Matt Seager, Ethan Langson Justice, Charlie Mears and Joe Harris repeatedly knocked players down to stun the attack. Andy Lendon, James Goss, Gareth Walker had control of the front row battle, supported by Connor Smithers, Paul Flower and Callum Wood.

Turning around for the second half, both teams were looking to chase the game and continued to hammer each other in pursuit of keeping the ball. Perhaps the Cockles could have used the wind more but were keen not to give the ball away unnecessarily. Skipper Sam Fulthorpe managed his troops well and always looked to bring Dan Sanders, James Willmott, Harvey Ridgeway, Jacob Unwin and new winger Tom Heath into the game. Jack Downie, who started the game on the wing did move to No.8, as Exmouth had to reshuffle due to injury. From his position at the back of the scrum, Jack burrowed over for the decisive score, Steery converting, 5-14. Barnstaple did throw everything they had at The Cockles but their defence, once again, we repelled every attack. When the final whistle went, both teams knew they had been in a brutal encounter. Well played to the lads, smiles all round after a great team shift.

Next up a trip to Newton Abbott who beat Ivybridge Vandals at the weekend.