Yatton 17 - 27 Exmouth

As an opener to the season the young Cockles made the journey up the M5 to face Yatton, from South Bristol in a pre-season friendly.

 
The fixture being the return for the Bristol side visiting Exmouth in April. Playing on the superb surface of the main Yatton set-up Exmouth faced a large physical side keen on a flying start to their season. Their wishes were granted as the Bristol side raced to a 2 try lead after just 8 minutes. The shell shocked youngsters tried to take stock of the situation, however they could not prevent falling further behind to finish the first period of play 17 nil down. That was the end of the Purple patch for the Yatton as the tide changed in the favour of Exmouth.

 
The youngsters pulled the game around to eventually run out winners 27-17, a fine performance from the whole squad who were interchanged throughout the 4 periods of play. No individuals can be mentioned as the squad played at times very well together, however complacency cannot settle in so early in the season - as there were many mistakes as well - look at the score after 10 minutes.

 
Prior to the main season starting the lads are ‘tackling’ a sponsored run from Otterton to the main clubhouse on Sunday 13 September to help raise money for the proposed Tour to Scotland in April.