Under 11s
Matches
Sun 10 Feb 2013
Exeter Chiefs
21
7
EXMOUTH RUGBY
Under 11s
Exmouth U 11's loose at Chiefs in Close Contest

Exmouth U 11's loose at Chiefs in Close Contest

Rob Masters12 Feb 2013 - 14:28
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Exeter Chiefs may have expected an easy ride, having defeated Exmouth by a substantial margine early in the season, but the young cockles were determined to play to the best of their ability to contain a Chiefs team with two or three quick backs.

Exeter Chiefs may have expected an easy ride, having defeated Exmouth by a substantial margine early in the season, but the young cockles were determined to play to the best of their ability to contain a Chiefs team with two or three quick backs. The Exmouth coaching team selected from the large squad a team line up to put pressure on the Chiefs line and this they did right from the first kick. Exmouth kicked off and immediately forced the chiefs onto the back foot and a penalty was awarded in Exmouth’s favour. Harry Sprague received the pass from Stewart Masters and drew in three defenders before off loading to Luke Davis who scored in the corner. Davis then successfully converted for the extra two points.

The balance of play was fairly even in territory and possession but Exmouth supporters were becoming frustrated at the number of infringements which were going un checked by the referee. The Exmouth forwards were dominating in the scrums winning the vast majority as has become customary, but the chiefs backline were starting to find space to run and eventually the previously impenetrable defence were penalised 5m from the Exmouth try line. The young Cockles were caught napping when the Penalty was taken quickly and a try scored then converted. Half time came with the score at 7 points each.

The second half continued with both sides having periods of being under intense pressure and having to defend unfortunately again there were questionable decisions which went against the Cockles allowing opportunities which might not otherwise have arisen and thwarted some good attacking platforms which the Exmouth team had worked hard to create. Exeter Chiefs scored two tries in the second half and converted both. This seemed to knock the fight out of the Cockles who then struggled to find their earlier form. The match ended Exeter Chiefs 21 – 7 Exmouth.

Exmouth then put out a team for a second match with only one or two from the first encounter and despite this pack being substantially lighter and including some players new to rugby, scrums were still going with Exmouth. Although the final result was in the Chiefs favour they certainly had to fight hard for every metre of territory. New boys David Zrolko, Harri Lawrence & Jarred Palmer were singled out by the coach for creditable performances who also commented how the quality of the whole squad is promising for future years when they will be playing with a full complement of 15 on the pitch.

Harry Sprague was named Player of the Match & Owen Tidball Tackler of The Match.

Match details

Match date

Sun 10 Feb 2013

Kickoff

11:00
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