Match report: Honiton 0 Exmouth 38

Playing up the steep slope Exmouth had to defend deep into their own half for the first 10 minutes but the hosts were kept out and eventually Exmouth started to move the play up the hill and into the Honiton half. Increasing pressure was then being applied by the Exmouth forwards and the inevitable penalty was awarded against Honiton for coming in to the ruck from the side. Taken quickly Harry Sprague was unstoppable from 5 metres out and opened the scoring for Exmouth. Unfortunately the conversion attempt was just pulled wide of the post.

From the restart Exmouth were quickly back deep in their opponents half and Luke Davis was able to touch down in the corner, he then went on to add the extra points from a successful conversion. Ben Stuart had been having the game of his life on the right wing and seemed to be involved in everything on that side of the pitch until an ankle injury forced him to leave the field with only minutes remaining of an exciting first half. Exmouth were pleased to have soaked up the early pressure and lead at half time by 12 points with no reply.

Many changes were made at half time to ensure the whole squad had a balanced match time but the progress this squad of players has made during the past 12 months meant that the pace of their game and understanding continued with relentless drive at the Honiton players. Soon Exmouth were given a great opportunity when Sprague carried the ball through several tackle attempts before passing to Davis who off loaded to Harry Neath Rogers for what was probably one of the best tries ever scored by this team Replacement No 10 Arron Lee was unlucky to see his kick rebound off the post in the very windy conditions.

The young Cockles then found themselves in a bit of a bruising encounter as Honiton were desperate to prevent further score but to no avail as Ben Dawson received a lovely pass from Blu Sandy which sent him off from the half way line avoiding early tackle attempts and once clear Dawson’s pace was such that he was not going to be caught before touching down for the Cockles 4th try. Two more followed from Sparague & Davis with Lee converting all of them with accurate kicking.

Coach Mike Sprague was delighted with his team’s performance and heaped praise on every player in the squad, Eventually awarding Player of the match jointly to Luke Davis & Harry Sprague.

Exmouth Look forward to their first home gam of the season on Saturday when they entertain Tiverton at the Imperial Ground.