Wadebridge 5 - 67 Exmouth

Exmouth RFC U 13’s enjoyed a tour to Newquay at the weekend. With only a Sevens Festival to play next Sunday this was a great way to conclude a very successful season. After training on the Beach at Crantock on Saturday the team travelled to Wadebridge on Sunday to play what was to be their final match in the full 15 format, determined to end on a high.

This was to be a stunning performance of creative and precision rugby which resulted in a 5 – 67 victory for Exmouth. Eleven tries left the hosts chasing shadows at times but Wadebridge played better than the score line suggests, they were unfortunate to face a Cockles side playing at their best with expansive rugby. A long way from the often predictable style seen this time last year. The decisions taken during the match and precision of the field kicks was a particular highlight and it was one perfectly weighted kick from Luke Davis just over the try line allowed pace man Ben Dawson to drop on the ball for a superb try. But the boot was also used to great effect in defence to relieve pressure and put the hosts on the back foot.

Training ground moves were used to great effect with play being switched and slick passing which opened up space in the home defence. Complimented by some strong work by the forwards, which gave plenty of quick ball, for the backs to use to great effect. The forwards were recycling the ball time after time and were rewarded with a classic forwards try when Korbin Gilman forced his way over for his second try in consecutive matches. Harry Sprague who, at 6’ 2” is always a handful for the opposition scored beautiful individual try with a short kick between the defensive line which we was able to gather and touch down.

There were too many excellent performances to mention all but notably Prop Jack Briggs probably had his best game of the year, Elliot Emmot, Eddie Ford and Ollie Jones also played at their best and demonstrated they deserve their place in this rapidly improving side. Owen Tidball who is consistently the hardest working player on the pitch scored his first try for several months.

After what was to be a tough encounter for the hosts they were congratulated by the referee who commented that they should not be disheartened as they had just faced the best side he had seen all season.