Redingensians 34 - 23 Exmouth

Back in Reading just two weeks after their last trip east, Exmouth looked to bounce back from a couple of disappointing displays. Despite the score the performance was very encouraging.

Off to the worst possible start conceding a try from a charged-down clearance, the much-changed Cockles showed real promise.

Mark Wathes cut through the home side's defence and with skipper Garry Hooper on hand the scores were level with a try out wide.

Minutes later a second try looked certain until a Reds' player came offside and stole the ball five metres out, earning himself a spell in the sin bin. Richard Cadywould kicked the penalty but really a try had gone begging.

Reds came back with a vengeance with their young No.8 to the fore, aided by a dazzling display from the home fullback an emerging Springbok and national sevens squad player.

Too often these players were given time and space to torment the Cockles, too many first-up missed tackles were hurting the visitors and by half time the Cockles were 24-8 down.

Renewed confidence and fresh legs at half time saw Exmouth gain momentum. Winning plenty of set-piece ball allowed the Cockles to attack, orchestrated by young fly-half Shaun Fayter with Jack Downie and Paul Morgan gaining serious yardage.

The side started to play like a team, picking up the intensity of the game and rattling the home side.

Scores followed. Murray Daniel and Morgan touched down with Cadywould adding a penalty and conversion. Unfortunately for the Cockles, the visitors replied on the break with 10 points of their own.

With the game drawing to a close Garry Hooper thought he had scored a second try, only for the referee to be unsighted.