Honiton 0 - 29 Exmouth

The scoreline suggests a comfortable victory, and Exmouth never looked like losing this encounter, but this group of lads need to start playing as a team if they are to make their mark this season.

During the first quarter Exmouth were dominant with phase after phase ending pointless because of some basic errors. Although constantly defending Honiton caused a few scares when breaking from turnover ball. This new Honiton team certainly have a few stars and they kept the team together under immense pressure.

Exmouth pick up their game plan in the second quarter and ran in 4 tries before the half-time break. After failing to ground two previous opportunities James (Jaffa) Bartholomew crossed on the far left and Shaun Fayter added the conversion. Shaun Fayter then quickly crossed and also converted to take it to 14-0.

This was by far the best part of the Exmouth game and Jaffa crossed for another and Lloyd Murrin danced across for a solo effort - both went unconverted.

At half time with the score at 24-0 it looked like Exmouth had found their feet and there was great anticipation of what the second half might hold. Unfortunately, for Exmouth, Honiton had other ideas.

The second half really belonged to Honiton. Their dogged tackling and spoiling surprised Exmouth and much of the game was played in mid field.

In fairness to both sides the game was frequently disrupted by injuries. Thankfully none were serious and the referee did a good job to keep play flowing.

It was a disappointing second half and Exmouth must learn to convert pressure into points. A final try came on the stroke of full-time when Liam Vaughan crossed in the far corner and this went unconverted.

The talent in this Exmouth side is clear for all to see. There are some new comers who are making a claim for key positions. Lloyd Murrin scoring on his recent return and Tom (Bear) Roberts starting for the first time at prop - to name but two.

There is a need to have greater confidence in themselves and distributed the ball more. Too often players are hanging on to long and preventing deserved scoring opportunities they create.

Once again John Parkin had a very solid game at scrum half and Shaun Fayter fitted in well as a late replacement at 10. The pick of the forwards were Dan Swallow and Grant Vaughan Atkins - but man of the match went to the tireless performance by Harry Cozens. The "silly-sausage" award goes to Jaffa (James Bartholomew) who dramatically dive over to score - what would have been the opening try
- but drop the ball in the process.

With the nucleus of this team being first year colts there is great promise and excitement as they develop their skills and will be competing for top spot at the season end - and next year - well let's just wait and see.