Exmouth U10’s v Exeter Saracens U10’s.

Exmouth U10’s were at full strength on Sunday facing visitors Exeter Saracens on a cold and blustery morning at the Imperial Ground. After some good phases of play, Exmouth had their reward when Owen Tidball crossed for the first try of the match. Saracens looked as though they were going to level fairly soon after, but Thomas Preece was determined to prevent the try being scored and hauled his opponent down just short of the try line. This seemed to inspire the cockles even more and they worked the play back to the middle of the pitch, Preece was also instrumental in this. When the ball fell loose it was Luke Davis who gathered it well and ran towards the corner, he was brought down by Saracens but his strength and momentum carried him over to touch down. Saracens seemed unable to respond to the Cockles intensity and Tidball soon scored another try.

The second half continued with Exmouth applying all the pressure and now they started to add width to their game which gave increased options and spread the Saracens defence. Following a well drilled maul, the ball was fed to winger Ben Dawson who was not going to be caught in his dash for the line to score. Further intense pressure on the Saracen’s line resulted in a penalty being awarded for a high tackle. From the penalty, Exmouth were able to use Harry Sprague, who opponents find difficult to stop when at full flight and Sprague drove over for his first try of the match. The match was completed with Dawson again showing pace and dexterity to nip round several defenders to score his second of the day.

Exmouth changed the whole team for a second match which showed the increasing strength of this squad and although the Cockles played with great skill, tackles were being missed and the Saracens scrum half ran in seven tries with lightening speed. However the team passed well and scrapped for every loose ball which resulted in tries being scored in reply by Stewart Masters and Eddie Ford.

It was clear to see this team is improving week on week and competition for places is now starting to show. However the comradeship and team spirit which has been in the squad from the start is as strong as ever. It is difficult to pick out individuals following this performance, but Vinny Neath-Rogers showed great courage to come back on the field after sustaining a bloody nose; Alex Dunston was involved in many aspects of the play and Blu Sandy is improving his skills each week and receiving the Man of The Match trophy was just reward for his efforts on the day which came so close giving him his first try.

But it was not only the result or performance which was noticeable by the players this week: they were pleased and encouraged by the numbers on the touch line supporting and encouraging the young Cockles. One of the more dedicated supporters has been given a special task before training on Thursday, involving needle, thread and pockets on shorts!