Plymouth Albion Oaks 6 - 29 Exmouth

Leaving Exmouth in glorious sunshine and the potential for a running game at Plymstock to try out moves ready for the Merit Table Shield semi-final.  As we trundled down the A38 the weather closed in, and while the rain kept off it was a cloudy windy reception at Horsham Playing Fields.  The warmth of the welcome from the Club made up for the tricky conditions and the gusty cross-filed wind that put pressure on both kickers and catcher.
 
Having secured their place in the Shield semi-final the Cockles were looking forward to a game where they would be tested and also develop their moves ready for the next important game.
 
Plymstock should be proud of their progress in fielding a strong Colts side with a solid foundation on which to contest next season.  Up front they had 3/4 powerful lads and kept the ball close using their big forwards to gain ground effectively.  The first 10 minutes saw both sides make breaks but defence held firm.
 
Exmouth were first on the score-sheet with a converted try following a break by Adam Morris who off-loaded for Kev Rodwell to score.  In the conditions kickers on both sides had to allow for the strong cross-field gusts and Lloyd Murrin confidently added the conversion.
 
Plymstock stepped up their game and spent time in the Exmouth half using their forwards to edge closer to the try line.  However the tremendous cover tackling, witnessed all season, was crucial in keeping Plymstock at bay and Plymstock finally took three points from a penalty infringement.
 
This time it was Exmouth that used their forward power to good effect, a turn-over ball saw Grant Vaughan Atkins make a break and stepped inside to make 10-15 metres. As he presented the ball to the support he landed awkwardly and had to leave the field with a leg injury.  This will be a real blow if he does not recover for the semi-final.
 
As half-time approached Exmouth stepped up a gear and good handling between forwards and backs saw Joe Parkin cross for a try.  On this occasion the wind beat Lloyd as he struck the cross bar and rebound away from the posts.
 
Just after half-time there was an attractive phase of Exmouth ball handling from a scrum.  Clean ball for Joe Parkin allowed him to set the line free and Ben Waistell, playing at outside centre, powered over for the first of three tries.  Lloyd Murrin again converted.
 
Plymstock never gave up and kept pushing towards the Exmouth line.  An infringement saw them awarded a penalty on the 22 and once again their forward power showed with a quick tap that saw them make ground and score a deserved try that went unconverted.
 
Another concern was seeing Tom Caygill leave the field early with a shoulder injury.  Another gutsy performance from Tom saw him in the thick of a physical encounter and we all hope it is not too serious and that he will be available for the semi-final.
 
After winning a scrum against the head Joe Parkin again released the backs and fast ball once again saw Ben Waistell power over for his second try of the afternoon. 
 
The final score followed a Plymstock line-out, where Ryan MacEachem broke through to collect the lose ball to stretch out for what appeared to be a try.  To everyone surprise the referee called them back for a scrum to Exmouth, obviously having seen an infringement to allow Exmouth the put-in advantage.  Ben Waistell scored from the base of the scrum to complete his hat-trick.  Josh Pitman, a second row, stepped up to add the extra points to make the final score 29-8 to Exmouth.
 
The performance was as encouraging as the result with both forwards and backs dominating long periods and retaining the ball.  Adam Morris, Kev Rodwell and Dan McLeod had impressive games breaking through their opposite numbers.  In the forwards Sam Bull, Dan Swallow and Ryan MacEacham edge a workman like pack but man of the match went to Ben Waistell.  Willingly switching from the flank to outside centre and scoring three tries and completing numerous tackles this was a popular choice.