Exmouth 17 - 12 Tavistock

With both teams keen for a good cup run this season it was always going to be a game where the winner would be the team who could handle the pressure.  With the weather clearing up and the temperature rising the whistle signalled the start of an action packed game.  Tavistock instantly showed they were out to play an expansive game backed up by a hard hitting pack to provide good ball.  Exmouth also showing their credentials were equal to the visitors in all areas.

With the game moving alround the park it was Tavistock who drew first blood with a wide ball that put the winger in the corner for an unconverted score.  Exmouth then started to play their trade mark game that put left wing Connor Deighton in almost unchallenged, Bradley Neilsen converting.  With a period of increased pressure the Cockles changed the game plan and 20 minutes in a well established ruck saw the ball fired from the base to Neilsen who kicked across to the corner where right wing Ollie Sims collected to run in Exmouth's second which Neilsen converted.  Tavistock came back hard but the Cockles defence held strong until a couple of unforced erors gave them a scrum under the posts.  Despite a big tackle from centre Jake Cunningham Tavistock scored and converted to tie the game 12 each at half time.

Pressure mounting the second half was end to end with both teams trying to break the lines.  A couple of chances going begging when passes were dropped when in the last few minutes Simon Hartery kicked and chased up field and pipped the defence for the touch down.  With minutes left the Exmouth team tightened and played all the rugby in the visitors half.  Full time brought to an end a tiring but outstanding game of rugby from both teams.  Exmouth Man of the Match went to Simon Hartery.