Exmouth 31 - 7 Exeter Chiefs

The comprehensive score line belies a very hard fought and difficult game the Cockles encountered this week.  A deep kick from the start saw a good chase from the pack and immediately put the Cockles on the front foot.  It wasn’t long before the early constant pressure resulted in the Simon Hartery going over for the first try after 3mins.  To their credit the Chiefs bounced back and took the game into the Cockle’s half where they stayed for some time.  Quicker and stronger in the breakdown and scrum the Chiefs started to dominate the game.

Somewhat against the flow the Cockles broke out and with a series of swift and accurate passes which took the team well into the Chief’s 22mtr.  After gaining quick ball from a then aggressive pack the ball was whizzed out by Lloyd Watkins and with quickness of foot and hand the ball was being held up a metre from the touch line.  An alert Jake Cunningham picked up and scored the second try after 18 mins.  Bradley Nielsen converted.  Almost immediately the Cockles capitalised on their momentum when Jake Cunningham went over for his second try after 23 mins.

 
Chiefs came out for the second half full of running and aggression and quickly scored a well deserved try after 27mins which was converted.  The Cockles then took control of the game in most areas and started pushing the Chiefs further and further back.  After a opportunistic break through the middle from Nielsen the ball was passed wide and eventually made it into the hands of Danny Sansom who went over for the forth try after 28 mins.  Converted by Nielsen.

The ball started to come much cleaner from the breakdown and swift ball from the half backs kept a very busy and workman like Josh Elliott punching gaps through the gain line.  As the game drew to a close with the Cockles firmly in charge a final try was scored by Simon Hartery.  Converted.  A good result against a robust Chiefs side sees the Cockles advance into the next round of the Cup.  Man of the Match Josh Elliott.