Exeter Chiefs 26 - 6 Exmouth

Standing at 1 & 2 in the Merit Table this was a "must win game" for both sides.  Last time out these teams provided an entertaining game that saw Chiefs snatch victory in the dying minutes.  Both sides clearly respected the other and once again provided a great entertainment in what was predominantly tight game.
 
Although missing a couple of players Exmouth were able to slot in Lloyd Murrin at fly-half and Ben Waistell at centre demonstrating the talent and depth developed under the guidance of Shaun Parkin. 
 
The playing surface was perfect, if not a bit sandy, and both sides struggled with a down-field wind that made kicking a bit of a lottery.
 
The first half was a very tight affair ending with Chiefs narrowly aheady by 7 points to 6.  Lloyd Murrin confidently striking over two penalties in ressponse to the Chiefs converted try.  Both sets of forwards kept the ball tight and half chances on both sides were thwarted by some excellent covering and tackling.  Sadly this took its toll more on the Exmouth team with Joe Parkin having to leave the field with a shoulder injury.
 
While the scrums were fairly even Exmouth dominated the line-outs with Tom Caygill and Sam Bull causing problems on the Chiefs put-in.  Throughout the first half Joe Parkin and Sam Bull appeared to be ever present with great support form those around the area of play.
 
The greater part of the second half was very much the same as the first with the game being controlled up front with the ball being punted behind the backs to gain ground.  Exmouth had to play into the wind in the second half and although difficult Llpyd Murrin still used the boot well to gain good position for the forwards to take up the battle.
 
After 50 minutes there had been no further sciore when Chiefs crossed for a try that went unconverted.  This impact of this score was clear - Chiefs had more of a spring in their step while, after such a huge effort, Exmouth were subdued.  Although this only lasted for 5-10 minutes it was enough time for Chiefs to run in a further two converted tries that put the game beyond Exmouth's reach.
 
It could have been a landslide but this resilient Exmouth side dug deep and produced a credible last 10 minutes for all to be proud of.  Joe Harnick stepped up from under 16's and didn't look out of place in the centre.  Joe Parkin returned to take control at scrum-half and Kevin Rodwell made darting runs to put Chiefs under pressure throughout.
 
This was a great advertisement for Colts rugby, played at the highest possible standard and both sides should be pleased with the contribution they made.  It completed the Merit Table games for Exmouth and will now have to wait on other results to see if they can hold onto second place and the prospect of meeting Chiefs in the final.