Bideford 0 - 22 Exmouth

This week Exmouth travelled to North Devon for a league match. Last week’s 24-5 win over Cullompton boosted confidence at the club.  The team were keen to continue their winning run meeting Bideford for the second time in the season. The Cockles were determined to build on what has been a return form following the Christmas setback and come away with a victory.

A great start to the game saw some clinical displays of handling and sharp back line moves. Leading the way was Dan Macleod and Ty Tuckett who combined to put scrum half Joe Parkin over for the first try of the match. A lovely inside pass by centre Macleod saw Tuckett break through the line leading to a great pass to put the half back through. Shaun Fayter booted over the extra two points.

Sam Reid had an excellent game at fullback and was awarded with man of the match, along with Ty Tuckett playing out of position on the wing. A break by Reid, from the kick-off, looked promising with great footwork and a well taken chip and chase.  Sam was unfortunate to be cut short by a last minute defence by the home team. Tuckett put in some good tackles out wide and was solid with the ball in hand.

Both sets of forwards battled it out through the match and set up good platforms for their backs. Exmouth’s pack stood out especially well and defended methodically throughout the game. After a five metre scrum, in Bideford’s half, Shaun Fayter released a fast dart through the defence with an excellent individual try. Exmouth moved comfortably into a 12-0 lead before the break.

The second half saw Exmouth continued to pressurise. Lloyd Murrin was first on the score board with an individual score with a great break through the last lines of defence. Fayter was unfortunate to miss the conversion with the score ticking on to 17-0 in the visitors favour.

The forward dominance was stepped up from the Cockle’s pack with Captain Sam Bull and Tom Caygill leading by example with immense mettle. It was again time for the backs to strike with Kev Rodwell being put in out wide for the fourth try of the match. The final score of the match 0-22 to Exmouth.

Nearing the end of the match Exmouth showed some awesome defence structure to keep Bideford from crossing the line.  Continued pressure towards the end of the game showed what Bideford had to offer but the Exmouth defence stood firm.  This was a confident display with Exmouth showing their talent.  Coverage of the pitch was an excellent team effort and was delighted to come away with a win away from home.