Exmouth 22 - 17 Sidmouth

In what was scheduled to be Exmouth U 13’s penultimate home fixture of the season. The weather was to play a part in the occasion. Strong winds made accurate kicking difficult with only 3 out of 7 kicks at goal successful during the match and several kicks from hand not reaching the target.

The early exchanges were dominated by the Cockles and Sidmouth did not touch the ball between the kick off and Thomas Preece finishing off good phased play involving most of the team at some point. Unfortunately the swirling wind prevented a successful conversion. Exmouth continued the pressure and Sidmouth were not able to break out from their own 22, eventually a fine side step and acceleration from Ben Dawson found the gap to get a the Cockles a second try and this time the conversion was successful.

Sidmouth eventually found their true form and worked the play deep into Exmouth territory, the Exmouth defence was working well and when Sidmouth spilled the ball forward the scrum on the home 22 should have given the chance to clear their lines but Exmouth lost their own scrum when the ball seemed to pop out of the side and was gathered quickly by Sidmouth who secured a converted try for themselves.

With Exmouth playing with the strong wind on their backs in the second half it was expected the home sides superiority would continue and indeed with another try each from Preece and Dawson they looked as though they would coast to an easy victory but they were hit by two breakaway tries from the visitors which kept the game close and interesting. Both sides played well in difficult conditions and match concluded with a home victory 22 points to 17.

Imeadiatly after this Exmouth entertained a touring side from Gowerton RFC Swansea. It was evident that despite changing some of the team with all available players the fatigue both physically and mentally was taking its toll and the fresh legs of the welsh visitors was making life difficult for Exmouth. Gowerton are a well drilled side who played basic rugby very well and due to Exmouth not being at their fittest were worth their 24 – 0 win.