Exmouth U 13s 12 - 14 Exeter Youth U 13s

Exmouth U13s put in one of their best performances of the season when Exeter Youth came to the imperial ground on Sunday. And without doubt were the better side on the day. In the end just two points separated the sides but unfortunately for the young cockles the result was against the run of play and Exeter remain the only side to have succeeded against this continually improving team. The whole squad played a part in this match which will act as great preparation for their cup tie with Ivybridge which is scheduled for the end of January or early February, depending on the weather.

During a first half which only saw Exeter enter the Cockles territory on one occasion only the visitors were under constant pressure and to their credit they soaked it up well and were strong in defence. But playing in a new position Centre Ben Dawson found the gap and at full flight was unstoppable and scored under the posts then converted his try for the full seven points.

Exeter were a constant threat on their left wing and about mid way through the half they managed to get over the half way line and following a ruck on the right caught the home defence out of position and with three against one on the left wing a try was inevitable and the big Exeter winger completed the by scoring under the posts. This was successfully converted to level the score.
One of the greatest improvements on Sunday was the cockle’s performance at the breakdown and ball retention helped with both possession and territory. The forwards were working hard to prevent the visitors getting clean ball and Harry Sprague; flankers Arron Lee & Owen Tidball were making tackle after tackle and were being supported by the rest of the team to win the ball. Following a text book tackle by Stewart Masters, Harry Neath Rogers was quick to support and secure the ball which was quickly moved along the line and back again to Dawson, who restored the home lead, unfortunately his conversion attempt was just wide and this was to prove costly in the final result.

The second half got under way with both sides competing hard in this very physical game and injuries started to take its toll on both sides, Unfortunately one of the Exeter team needed medical attention and it is to the Exmouth Clubs credit that unlike many other clubs there is professional medical cover for all senior and junior matches.

With the changes due to injury and the policy of ensuring the whole squad has an opportunity to progress and develop the balance and flow in the Exmouth team was upset and this allowed Exeter to have a bit more possession and territory, with approx. five minutes remaining Exeter broke through the middle from a scrum on the home 22 to score a converted try. Despite a determined effort the Cockles were unable to secure the win which was surely deserved.. Despite a determined effort the Cockles were unable to secure the win which was surely deserved. With such a good team performance the selection of Man of The Match was not easy, but for his success in winning scrums against the head the award went to Olly Cowley.