Exmouth 22 - 0 Kingsbridge

Exmouth U13's hosted Kingsbridge U13's at home on Sunday 3rd February 2008 for a 1st Round Devon Plate Tournament, and with Kingsbridge winning the toss, Exmouth received the kick off and played with the wind for the first half.

The well drilled and disciplined Exmouth team quickly took control of the game through the forwards. The Exmouth pack were dominant not only in the loose play but also in the set pieces, with the pack not only winning their own scrums but winning a high percentage of Kingsbridge's scrums, and at one point winning three consecutive scrums 'against the head'. With the high quantity of quality possession it was not long until Exmouth took the lead through Simon Hartley breaking through the Kingsbridge defense with a strong run, breaking a number of tackles to touch down for a try.

The game continued through the first half in extreme weather conditions with the forwards providing solid platforms for the Exmouth backs to move the ball skillfully through the hands ,with some powerful and direct running by Danny Samson , Kurt Beswick and Bradley Nielson in particular. The Exmouth backs continued to maintain the forward momentum and the first half finished after a second try by Simon Hartley that was converted by Bradley Nielson.

With the unrelenting wind now in their face, Exmouth new they had an uphill battle on their hands as they entered the second half with only a 12 point advantage. Kingsbridge started the half with good morale and with some skilful kicking over the Exmouth defense, quickly pinned the Exmouth team in their own 22 for the first 10 minutes of the half and continually pressurized the Exmouth try line.

The Exmouth team however stuck by each other and tackled and battled through this period with dogged determination and slowly worked their way into the opponents half, with the forwards carrying the ball well into contact particularly the back row of Aaron Conway, Lloyd Watkins and Chris McAdam.

With the pressure now relieved, and possession now back with Exmouth, the Exmouth backs returned to their direct running approach of the 1st half ,which stretched the Kingsbridge defense and resulted in another try by Hartery and a searing run down the left wing by Connor Deighton which resulted in a try and the final points of the game.

Congratulations go out to the full Exmouth U13 squad of 26 players as their team spirit, determination and self belief resulted in an impressive win.