Honiton 0 - 24 Exmouth.

Honiton 0 - 24 Exmouth.

The pitch resembled a first word war battlefield but Honiton were happy to play, and many thanks to them for allowing the game to go ahead after the disruption the weather has caused this season. As a reward, the match was to be the most exciting played so far this year with some fine performances from both sides in the hardest conditions.

The game started with an Exmouth kick-off and it was clear that Honiton were up for it. They came straight back with the ball in hand but met a determined line of Exmouth forwards. Exmouth regained possession but as the game could not be played at pace, then began what became a great passing performance.

The backs were able to play some great rugby off the possession gained by the forwards but this was not a game that suited the runners. Legs were punished and took much effort to gain ground. But after10 minutes Exmouth were pressuring the Honiton try line. Harry Sprague using his strength, resisted many attempts to stop his progress before he released fellow forward Zacch Lines to make a spirited dash to score. Luke Davis was unable to convert the try but Exmouth now had a hard fought 5 point lead.

The game continued at pace and Honiton matched the Exmouth pressure until a fumbled pass just short of the Exmouth try line enabled Ben Dawson to steal the ball and dash the full length of the pitch to score Exmouth's second. Luke Davis converted the try this time to take Exmouth in at half time with a 12 point lead.

In the second half Exmouth made many changes demonstrating their ability to field many talented players from their squad. Exmouth now had the downhill advantage and made the most of it with some great link up play between Arron Lee, Luke Davis and Jarrad Palmer until they were taken in to touch. The mud took its toll with two players losing their boots as they pushed forward. The Exmouth scrum was the stronger and it was from a Honiton scrum that concerted pressure & the cockles much improved line speed pushed Honiton back within meters of their try line. However, they battled hard and regained possession. As Honiton broke away, a pass was intercepted by Ben Dawson who crossed the line for his second. Arran Lee stepped up to convert the try.

Moments later Lee was to score a try himself powering over the line with 4 Honiton players being towed along as he crossed the line for Exmouth's 4th. Sadly he was not able to convert this one but the game ended with Exmouth winning by 24 - 0. The referee was praised for his fairness and approach which enabled the game to be played with continuity which was very hard in the conditions.

The award for tackler of the match went to Ollie Cowley for creating some huge problems for Honiton's advance. The man of the match went to Ben Dawson for his persistent pressure and his long distance sprint for the try line to score.