Game 1: Kingsbridge 15 - 25 Exmouth

Game 2: Kingsbridge 30 - 25 Exmouth

After two months of non-competitive rugby, due to the weather, the coaching staff were a little apprehensive as to how the Under 9’s would perform. Those worries were soon put to bed as the squad turn in their most impressive display to date. From the onset both teams put in a clinical example of mini rugby and it was just before the break that the stalemate was broken, Ethan Langson-Justice dotting down to give Exmouth the edge at the break. Kings levelled the scoring before Ollie Toomey, who was involved in all the play offloaded to Sam Fulthorpe who in turn offloaded to Zach Higgingson to score. Kings pulled another one back. An excellent restart saw Will Tidbull, always-dangerous ball in hand, get his just rewards with a try.  Fulthorpe then finished of a superb attack to get on the score sheet. Blood replacement Jake Devine’s awesome drive and offload gave Laurence Knight the simplest of finishes to make it five as Kings got a consolation try just before the whistle. The young cockles victorious 3 tries to 5.

The second game again was a pleasure to watch. Tackles for the most part were textbook. Callum Cross allowed nothing through and buried anyone within reach. Richard Hall was unlucky not to go over twice and put in his most determined game this season. Tit for tat tries saw this game end 6 tries to 5 in favour of Kings, however the score was irrelevant as the play was outstanding. Toomey grabbed three tries, but his sterling effort throughout earned him the coveted “team player” of the day. Tidbull and Higgingson both scored one apiece, but it was the squad effort that was most impressive. No weak links in defence, structured play in both attack and defence and above all, these young Cockles were really starting to work together as a team. Communication was up and collectively they didn’t commit more than was needed to the contact area. Heads were up and they used the space to their advantage, spotting things that initially caught the coaching staff of guard; all in all the best rugby played by this squad. At home to Topsham next week.