Bracknell 47 - 7 Exmouth

Ten months ago Exmouth travelled to Bracknell RFC for their first ever fixture and they were soundly beaten in an EDF Cup game played in atrocious conditions. Maybe this gave the home side a physiological edge for this first League encounter and certainly the fine weather allowed Bracknell to play a fast open style of rugby. Coached by former England international flanker Chris Sheasby, the Bracknell pack were matched by the Cockles in the set pieces but once the ball came outside it was a different matter.

Exmouth lost their No 10 Nick Grant to injury after half an hour but by then Bracknell had built a 19pts –nil lead and looked ready to put the Cockles to the sword. Playing down a considerable slope Bracknell kicked off and within two minutes tight head Andy van Zyl scored a try converted by skipper Ben Nowak. Minutes later Exmouth were penalised and the kick to the five metre line set up a catch and drive which was duly finished off by flanker Rudal Aiono. Nowak missed the conversion but with twelve points on the board the home side was flying.

To their credit Exmouth stemmed the flow and even nicked a couple of line outs but with Bracknell controlling the half it was no surprise when a slick backs move put winger Nick Shears over with Nowak adding the points. Nick Grant’s injury meant a reshuffle in the Exmouth backs but the last ten minutes was all Bracknell. With the ball passing through many hands  Full back Dave Budge finished off with Nowak again converting and two minutes later Nowak himself scored and converted to post a half time score of 33pts-nil.

 
Exmouth kicked off the second half for what must have felt like a daunting task but they set to it and the Exmouth players will be disappointed that they shipped another couple of tries in a half which they dominated for long periods. With four minutes played Exmouth won a scrum against the head and following loose play Seb Phelps chased down a kick ahead to score. Richard Cadywould converted and the Cockles had the best possible start to the half. The Cockles continued to take the game to Bracknell throughout the half but they were unable to penetrate a defence which had the Sheasby hallmark.

With about ten minutes to go any thoughts of closing the points gap were dashed when flyer Stu Mackay went over for Nowak to convert and the final act was played out by scrum half Dan Ap Dafydd who scored with skipper Nowak kicking his sixth conversion.

 
Exmouth take a break from League duty this Saturday but they have to travel to Kent to meet Bromley in the first round of the EDF National Trophy.

 
League rugby resumes the following weekend with the visit of Bristol side Cleve and following four challenging games against the top sides the Cockles now need to start building some League points.