Exmouth U 12's Farnham Festival
The Cockles went up several gears and really took the fight to the all comers.
This week Exmouth U12's played host to what has become an annual event organised by Farnham from Surrey.
The teams were divided in to two groups of 6. Exmouth lined up against Taunton, Exeter Chiefs, Collumpton, Farnham and Silhillans.
Exmouth have struggled to find their form at times this season, but this week The Cockles went up several gears and really took the fight to the all comers. First to feel the power of the invigorated Cockles side were Taunton. In previous encounters Taunton had proved the stronger side but within the first 7 minutes Exmouth were up four trys to nil. Taunton defended well in the second half, preventing more trys, so the score remained 4-0 at full time.
Next up were Exeter Chiefs, who only the week before had proved the better side in their encounter with Exmouth. But the tables were decisively turned during this meeting. The first score came in the first half from a charge down by forward Vinnie Neath-Rogers who crossed the line for the first try. The second try came from a penalty quickly taken by another forward Harry Sprague. A dummy to center field confused the defense as the big number 8 leapt off his left leg and smashed through the defensive line for try number 2 down the RH wing. Final score 2-0.
Game 3 was against Collumpton. Again, another previously tricky side that had caused problems for the Cockles.This closely contested game was played at a high tempo and remained level at half time. The game continued at a punishing pace with the score level until the closing minutes. Then a well timed ball was passed out to fly half Ben Dawson. Dawson using determination and power, sprinted for the line for the deciding score.
Next were Farnham. Farnham had also in previous years defeated the Cockles. This was a hotly contested match played in high spirits. Again, the pure grit and determination of Exmouth was the deciding factor. Exmouth proved stronger in all areas of play. The deciding try was scored in the first half after the best team move of the day involving 8 lightening fast passes that saw Exmouth touch down in the RH corner. This was a great team effort and a well deserved victory.
The final game against Silhillians was to be the only defeat. At the end of a grueling day both teams were tired. Silhillians had the better of the rucks and were able to break through for the deciding score but Exmouth were definitely not outplayed.
The day proved that without doubt, Exmouth U12's can compete against the best teams in the area and win. Each substitution added a positive element to the play and every player proved a credit to the side.
Men of the competition were rewarded by Farnham buy presentation of the matchballs to Ben Dawson, Harry Sprague, Adam Presniel, Harry and Vinnie Neath-Rogers, Owen Tidball and captain Luke Davis.
Quick hands and positive power play were on display by the bucket load. After a hard season, lets hope that the rugby on show today lifts the team and is carried on to a successful conclusion in the competition next week.
Come on the Cockles!
