Exmouth U11's In great form at Cullompton

Exmouth followed last week’s win at Topsham with another great performance at Cullompton. Brimming with confidence the cockles were playing some good rugby and enjoying the fine playing surface and extra space on the large pitch.

Exmouth were soon in their stride and putting Cullompton under pressure, and keeping possession through several phases. With each phase moving ever closer to the Cully line, eventually their patience paid off and Owen Tidball found a gap and dived over to score the opening try which was then converted by Eddie Ford.

This was never going to be an easy encounter as Cullompton are a good side and there were periods when Exmouth had to make some good tackles to prevent Cully breaking through, but this task was done exceptionally well. There were a few infringements by both sides but the referee was taking care to explain to both sides the reasons for his decisions. From a penalty, Exmouths Harry Sprague took a quick tap and go and was soon running strongly at the opposition who were not able to prevent him breaking through to score.

Just before half time Cully attempted to relieve the pressure by kicking to gain some territory but the ball was caught cleanly by Ben Dawson who ran the ball straight back at them before offloading to Toby McConaghy who finished off with a fine try again converted by Ford.

Changes were made at half time to bring on fresh legs from the large squad of Exmouth players, but this did not upset the balance and Exmouth continued to dominate. Centre Dawson was quick to wrap up his opposite number in the middle of the field and steel the ball, with no full back in position he had a clear pitch in front of him and cully were not able to match his pace to prevent another try being scored this time the extras were added by Arron Lee. From the restart the ball dropped into the arms of Tidball who took flight straight through the Cully line to score a great individual try but this time the conversion attempt was pulled just wide of the post.

Cullompton were then able to get some points on the board with a converted try which was rightly deserved for their endeavours, following their try they enjoyed greater territory and possession but Exmouth defended well for a long period until Cully managed to increase the pace of their play and score a second unconverted try. Further attempts to breach the Exmouth defence were resisted with great determination and Exmouth recorded a well deserved win.

In summing up the coach paid tribute to many players who contributed including Alec Dunstan, Jarred Palmer, David Zrolko, Arron Lee, Owen Tidball & Luke Davis but in particular Ben Stuart who was awarded the Tackler of the match shield and Ben Tue, Player of the Match.