Game 1: Exmouth 40 - 25 Kingsbridge

Game 2: Exmouth 00 - 00 Kingsbridge

With Kingsbridge turning up with a well drilled and lean squad of eleven players, their selection problems alleviated, Exmouth’s contingent of twenty plus were spilt into two teams, allowing lots of time on the park for each player.

 
Losing the toss, Exmouth won early possession through some good rucking, showing determination to make amends for their heavy loss against Kings last season.  Zach Higginson soon muscled his way over for the first of his three tries. From the restart the ensuing maul was driven back at pace allowing Sam Fulthorpe the chance to steal and peel off, grounding the ball at full stretch to make it 10-0.  Kings replied with a solo effort before Exmouth started getting the ball out wide, giving Will Tidball the chance to stretch his legs and get the 5 points.  Higginson grabbed his second, after a strong run and then Laurence Knight deservedly got himself on the score sheet for a well earned try. Kings also pulled it back with two further first half tries.

 
The second half gave Higginson a chance to grab his hat-trick and soon after Joseph Oates peeled off the back of the maul and went over for a try. Two more Kings tries gave them a glimmer of hope, but that was soon snuffed out as Fulthorpe drove hard and convincingly ground the ball for the last score. Score at the final whistle 40 – 25.

 
The second game saw a fresh band of junior Cockles take to the field and for the most part of the first half were totally under the cosh. King’s big runners scored numerous individual tries, however perseverance paid off and just before the break some good passages of play allowed Joseph Stevens over for a try.

 
The try scored gave new hope and the side came out brimming with confidence. Jake Devine, Jake Ford and Max McConaghy started working as a unit and gaining ground.  Kings big runners started to fade under some good tackling, possession was kept, phases were strung together and this resulted in Hughie McOwen finishing off perhaps the best try of the day.  A great squad effort. Away to Totnes next week.