Exmouth 7 - 0 Bideford

This was a great opportunity for Exmouth to redress the 10-0 defeat suffered at Bideford just 7 days earlier. On that occasion only two scores separated the teams and the scene was set for another very close game.

Almost from the kick-off Exmouth had to juggle the team with John Parkin leaving a field with a shoulder injury. He did make a brief return but was clearly not comfortable. John was initially replaced by utility player Shaun Fayter - who only played three positions this week. However towards the end of the first half Adam Morris was forced to leave the field with an ankle injury. This saw Shaun move to fly-half with Ben Waistell returning to the scrum-half role with an outstanding contribution.

The first half did not disappoint the appreciative crowd and although the half ended 0-0 both teams contributed to an exceptional display of forward rugby. Exmouth had learnt from the previous week that they had to work harder up front to contain a very useful Bideford forwards unit. They did this, and more, with both sides cancelling out the other with most of the play taking place between the two 22 meter lines.

With such a close battle it was evident that it would be a low scoring game but this should not take anything away from the entertainment and creative display that saw defence turned into attack from both sides. On the rare occasion the ball found its way along the back-line the cover from both sides sniffed out any threat and both coaches should be pleased with the way both teams contested for the ball.

Despite the need to shuffle the team Exmouth executed their game plan with a conviction and Alex Hole - probably the smallest player on the field - made a gigantic impact on the game. The work rate of Chris Button, Leigh Crellin and Dan Swallow was exceptional with the second row partnership of John Kaye and Beau Kimble providing a steady scrum. Beau was one of the many contenders for man of the match playing a huge part in the pick and drive around the rucks making valuable ground. The forwards were driven on by Sam Bull, leading by example and encouraging his forwards to keep on top.

Although the backs had few attacking opportunities they always looked threatening with the ball in hand. Lloyd Murrin made two excellent runs, and only some equally good covering kept him from opening the score. Terry Mears and Archie O'Connell both added excitement with strong runs but again thwarted by the Bideford cover defence.

Midway through the second -half it was looking like it could end be a nil-nil thriller with play switching from end to end and both teams putting themselves on the line to keep out their opponents.

A rare visit to inside either 22 saw Exmouth threaten the Bideford line and again they held firm against numerous phases of pick and drive by the forwards. The stalemate was broken when the ball was switched back inside to Shaun Fayter - now playing at fly-half taking the ball at speed to cross close to the posts. It was fitting that after making a great contribution to the game that he converted his own try.

Liam Millman came on as a front row replacement and immediately made an impact with strong
runs off the back of rucks.

Up to the final whistle it was always possible for Bideford to come back and level the match putting Exmouth under immense pressure but this Exmouth team really showed their mettle clearing their lines and countering.

This was a great game to watch and both teams are to be congratulated on delivering such a spectacle. For Exmouth there were so many contenders for man of the match that it was rightly awarded to the team. A gritty performance that provides great promise for the remainder of this season.