Reading 17 - 14 Exmouth
Last Saturday Exmouth 1st XV travelled to Reading RFC. Both sides had a similar playing record in the league this season with Reading achieving 8 points to Exmouth’s 7, from 4 games played. On paper the game would be close.
The Cockles kicked off into a strong wind and the early exchanges were fairly even but using the conditions Reading were able to keep Exmouth in their own half. Strong defensive pressure by the Cockles kept the home side out but after 20 minutes Reading were awarded a 5 metre scrum, went for a push-over try and scored through number 8 Ben Hughes, converted by full back Alex Doriac.
The score brought immediate reaction from Exmouth forcing Reading into defence with several drives through forwards and backs for next 10 minutes. Jack Andrew took play into the Reading 22, quick ball through Andy Powell, Jordan Kelly resulted in Tom Elliott being forced into touch close in. Exmouth infringed at the lineout and found themselves back in their own half from the resultant penalty. Exmouth again infringed at the lineout and the penalty was converted by Doriac to make it 10 – 0.
Ex fought back yet again and from broken play Rich Caddywold and Jack Downie combined only for Downie to be forced into touch 5 metres out. Exmouth continued to press but some poor decision making left the Cockles 10 -0 down at half time.
From the restart Reading attacked deep into the 22 and poor discipline from Exmouth resulted in Ashley Stevens being placed in the bin for 10 minutes. Still defending in their 22 with 14 men ex conceded a 5 metre scrum, again Reading went for the pushover and were awarded a penalty try, converted by Doriac to go 17 points clear.
Exmouth made two tactical substitutions bringing Dom O’Connor and Matt Ryan into play returning the team to 15 men. Moving into attack Exmouth infringed at the ruck and were again reduced to 14 with Adam Hooper getting a yellow card. The frustration of the situation particularly, with some unaccountable refereeing decisions made Exmouth fight back. From a line out on half way quick ball to Mark Wathes saw him break into the opposition 22. Following 3 further phases of quick ball Wathes received the ball again to sidestep the defence for a try converted by Rich Caddywold .
Now only 10 points adrift Exmouth still a man down continued to soak up pressure until again a break from Wathes to the opposition 22 saw the forwards take the ball on and Jack Andrew peel off on the blind side for a try in the corner. A superb conversion from Caddywold brought the score to 17-14 with only 4 minutes left on the clock.
Neither side gave any quarter and there was no further score leaving Exmouth to ponder on what might have been had they played the whole game as they had done in the last quarter.