Exmouth 36 - 36 Keynsham

The spectators were treated to a fantastic open game of rugby that deserved the final score line.

The visitors were quick into their stride, after a drawn game (12-12) against Brixham yesterday, and their winger out ran all of the home backs to score early in the game. Keynsham failed to convert whish was to be their down fall as they had more clear conversion chances than Exmouth.

There then followed 15 minutes of even play where both sides sought to dominate. This was ended when the Cockles forced their way over for the first of Paul Bright’s tries. Tom Steer had a difficult angle and was unlucky to hit the post.

There then followed more pressure from the visitors who were rewarded with a converted try right in front of the posts. Exmouth never let up and Tom Steer kicked a long ball from his own half cross pitch into the right hand corner for Paul Bright to chase. It looked as though the visitors had it covered but the two defenders were split by Paul who fell on the ball before it went over the dead ball line.

The rest of the game seesawed into the second half when Exmouth played all of their substitutes to ensure everyone got to play and despite fears that it may upset the equilibrium Exmouth continued to hang in there. They then pulled off their best try of the match when to their coaches’ delight what they had practiced in training was put into practice in a match. Paul passed out to his left to Dom Roberts, hooker, who offloaded after making a few metres to flanker, Seb Opie, who after making ground offloaded out left to Paul who had looped around to take the ball over the line.

The game continued to thrill with the forwards creating chances and starting to improve their rucking to allow second phase ball. Ed Wright, scrum half, was in good form despite the quick and excellent attentions of his opposite number and Jack Stuart was rewarded for his efforts with a try of his own.

It was a true team effort and with 3 minutes to go Exmouth were 12 points behind and as a true mark of the spirit of the game the opposition’s coach reminded them that it only took a minute to score a try and, true to form, Exmouth did with Alfie Valentine going over after a quick restart. This was unconverted leaving a deficit of 7 points and after the restart Exmouth were quick to control the ball and allow Paul Bright to touch down under the posts leaving Tom and easy, if not nerve wracking conversion. He duly obliged and levelled the score.

It was a truly well disciplined, good natured match that epitomises the game and the final result was a perfect end to the game.