Clifton 58 - 22 Exmouth

With their coach, England international Mark Regan, prowling the touchline, this Clifton side looked a slick outfit right from the start and they totally dominated the first forty minutes of play. To their credit Exmouth controlled most of the second half but they did not have the same penetration and fire power as the home side to get back into the game.

In glorious sunshine Clare Daniels, one the world’s leading lady referees, got the game underway and the Cockles quickly went three points down to an early John Barnes penalty. In as many minutes the Cockles were on the wrong end of a 22pts-nil score line with winger Andy Bell crossing the line twice shrugging off some poor tackling.

As the game moved into the second quarter Exmouth were down to fourteen players when Ms Daniels produced her first yellow card and Clifton quickly punished the Cockles. Over the next twenty minutes Clifton played some champagne rugby and crossed the Exmouth line five times. Tries from backs Barnaby Kent and Ollier Sills started the assault and hooker Sam Wilkes grabbed one before No 8 John Levis scored a brace. Richard Cadywould responded with a penalty ten minutes before half time when on another day a deliberate knock on by the Clifton winger might have attracted a yellow card.

Running out for the second half facing a 46pts-3 score line was a daunting prospect for the Cockles but they took the game to Clifton, played in their opponents half and after twenty minutes got their reward. The lively Jack Downie started it off with one of his strong runs and when he was held up skipper Gary Hooper was on hand to cross over for a try, Richard Cadywould converting.

Not to be out done Clifton responded by scoring a further two tries by lock Darren Barry and fullback Sam Smee and although Barry’s try was a real peach it was a poor kick from the Exmouth defence that had passed possession back to them. Ten minutes from time Clifton had a player sin binned and Exmouth took full advantage during this period when flanker Ben Boswell scored and just on time scored another following a strong run by lock James Finnegan.

This Saturday the Cockles entertain another new visitor to the Imperial Ground with Redingensians RFC making the trip down the M4. The Berkshire side are currently top of the South West 1 League so a lively game of rugby is on offer. Kick off 2.30.