Exmouth 19 - 12 Devonport Services

In almost perfect conditions for running rugby this encounter would for one side be a premature end of their season.  Clear blue skies, bright sunshine but with a tricky wind would leave neither side blaming the elements at the games end.

 
Even during the warm-up sessions it was clear that both teams were "up for it" and were focused on the task ahead - careful not to reveal too much of their game plan in advance.

 
The first few minutes saw the usual tussles up front as each side tested out their opponents defence to find out the strengths and weaknesses.  Throughout the season Exmouth have developed into a great defensive unit and Services found little give as they attacks came up short.

 
Early on Exmouth struggled a little in the line to win clean ball but more than matched their opponents in the scrums - taking ball against the head in key positions.  This was despite the weight advantage enjoyed by Devonport who use this more effectively in rucks and mauls and enjoyed some turnover ball during the first half.

 
With the match outcome offering a place in the Merit Shield Final both sides put themselves "on the line" and with the firmer ground the game was disrupted - for both sides - through injury.  But throughout the rugby spirit prevailed with players returning to the fray to replace injured team-mates.  A great advert for the game in Devon and both coaching teams should be proud.

 
Exmouth were first on the score-sheet when Ben Waistell powered over for a try close to the posts.  Good ball from the forwards saw Joe Parkin release the backline and Ben - switching from flanker to centre - took the ball at pace and heaved himself across the line with two-tacklers in tow.  The tricky wind saw the conversion attempt drift narrowly wide.

 
Much of the Devonport were set up by their forward power advantage - but the Cockles stuck at their task to keep them out of scoring range.  Each time the Exmouth back-line were able to thwart the Services attack with excellent cover tackling.  Kev Rodwell was outstanding.  This constant pressure finally paid and the ball was released for Harry Elliot to break through the back-line and provide a scoring pass to Morgan Andrews.  The conversion fell short and as half-time approached the match was evenly poised at 5-5.

 
Despite the weight advantage Exmouth were not afraid to take on their opponents up front and achieve turn-over ball of their own through a rejuvenated Luke Pearcey and industrious Ty Tuckett. 
Once again it was the forwards that provided an attacking platform and a break by Shaun Fayter created the extra man to put Ben Waistell through for hi second try.  Fayter was able to learn from the early miss and sweetly put the ball between the posts.  A 45 metre penalty attempt by Fayter, awarded on the stroke of half-time, fell just wide with the score 12-5 at half-time.

 
Exmouth were the first to respond in the second half and some searching kicks from Shaun Fayter, Lloyd Murrin and Ant Tribble kept the ball in the Services half.  Both teams continued to defend well and the forward battle became much more even as the heavier lads tired some.  This allowed the Exmouth forwards to counter attack and win a greater share of the rucks and mauls - usually with Sam Bull and Dan Swallow emerging last from the heap of players. The Cockles came close to scoring but the Service did well to prevent the ball being grounded.  Shortly after, from another solid forward platform, created when Luke Pearcey broke through a Services maul to steal the ball and power through towards the try line,  Joe Parkin and Shaun Fayter combined to create space for Adam Morris to outpace the defensive line to cross for the Cockles third try.  Once again Shaun Fayter added the conversion to provide a two try safety zone.

 
Services were not in the mood to miss out on a final place and raised their game a notch.  Again through their forwards they encroached on the Exmouth line and Sam Bennett crossed for Harry Elliot to convert and provide an exiting climax with the score now 19-12.

 
Both sides created opportunities and some tremendous defensive work by Exmouth saw them prevent tries keeping the ball from being grounded.  Defensive pressure from the attacking scrum saw the Cockles clear their line and stretch their opponents.

 
The final seconds saw a penalty award on the Exmouth 22 line and needing a score to draw the game Services bravely opted to run the ball.  Having found no way through with their forwards they released their back-line.  Once again Exmouth were fast up on their opponents to cause an error that allowed Joe Parkin to boot the ball off the park for a well deserved and hard fought Cockles victory.

 
While Luke Pearcey and Kev Rodwell were awarded joint "man of the match" this was a great team performance and the unsung heroes were the front five who battled all afternoon to secure possession.  Dan Swallow and Brad Skinner were the corner stones and did not give an inch all afternoon.  Both Alex Hole and Tom Parry played their part at hooker with Tom Caygill, Ryan MacEachem, Jake Gauntlett doggedly sticking to the second-row graft through-out. This success came from a great team performance - with everyone playing together - and Exmouth season continues......

 
The final will be on Sunday 26th April away against (Crediton/Brixham).  Exmouth have met both sides this season and all have been close encounters some another thrilling match is guaranteed for all to enjoy.