Camborne 5 - 40 Exmouth

Although a mixed season saw this young side end runners-up in the Devon Plate Final the disappointment was short lived as they prepared for the annual Cornwall tour with Newquay being base camp.

It is proving difficult to arrange games once the senior season has finished and only one game was possible against Camborne. For many of these lads it brought back memories of their first ever tour experience when they played Camborne and Redruth - some 4 years ago.

The match against Camborne was played in traditional rugby touring spirit with both sides enjoying this end of season opportunity to run the ball on a firm playing service - despite the recent rainfall.

Exmouth started strongly and almost scored the opening try when full-back Sam Reid cut inside and was held up over the line. Camborne responded to this threat and drove up field to score their only try of the game - which went unconverted.

Nathan Bull made a special guest appearance for the Colts and made a splendid contribution throughout. His driving runs saw much of the game played in the Camborne half and this gave confidence to both forwards and backs to show their flare - and they did in style.

From a penalty Nathan barged over for the first try and with Shaun Fayter on top form took maximum points to lead 5-7. The first half was very tight with both sides testing for weaknesses and the half ended with Exmouth leading 7-5.

The forwards started to dominate in the second half and this gave John Parkin a solid platform to work from. From once well protected ruck he broke on the blindside to score which Shaun Fayter converted.

As with any touring side there was rolling subs and both teams took the opportunity to make changes throughout the game.

Another driving maul saw Liam Millman score a popular try, which Shaun duly converted, and Liam set off once again making a 20 (he says 50) yard break before setting up the ball for Adam Morris to cross the line and Shaun adding the extras.

From a chip and chase John Parkin collected the ball cleanly and made it to the line but failed to ground the ball. Exmouth won the scrum ball comfortably and a precision cross field kick was collected cleanly by Sam Reid to score out wide.

This was the perfect way to end the season - confidence was high and everyone wanted to be part of this winning side. Recent returns by James (Hightower) Tapp and Dan Penheiro ably filled the gaps by those unavailable to play.

Exmouth backs and forwards ran the ball with jinking runs that always created ground and laid back providing John Parkin with more than one option.

The final score came close to the final whistle with a scrum taken against the head leading to a lineout which was cleanly one and the ball spun wide. Kev Rodwell cut inside from the wing and scored under the posts to provide Shaun with the easiest of his conversion kicks to round of a spirited 40-5 victory for the tourists. Nathan Bull was a very popular choice as man of the match.

True rugby friendship was enjoyed by our splendid hosts before completing our journey to our Newquay base where an enjoyable - and incident free - weekend was thoroughly enjoyed.

With so many available to play Colts rugby again next season there will only be a short break as the prospect of an even much better season beckons.