Exmouth RFC Vets Tournament

Photo courtesy of the Express & Echo

In extreme wintery conditions with rain, sleet, hailstorms and a blustery wind, and to the delight of the many supporters, Exmouth secured their 4th victory in 5 years in this 10th year of the Annual Vets Festival of Rugby on Good Friday at The Imperial Ground.
 
With only 4 teams competing this year, Exmouth, Crediton, Okehampton and Totnes, the competition was run on a straight league structure and Exmouth took the trophy having equaled with Okehampton in the league but winning on points difference.
 
The Clubs first match against Crediton was a hard fought forward battle
with Crediton kicking a penalty after 4 minutes and Exmouth levelling the score in the last minute of the first half and with no score in the second half.
 
The Cockles second victory was a little bit easier when they defeated a Totnes team by 8 points to 0. There was no score in the first half but Alan Pyne kicked a penalty after 3 minutes of the second half and on 10 minutes, John Justice crashed over the line for an unconverted try. 
 
The Cockles 3rd game saw Exmouth take on Okehampton but neither side were able to score tries and Exmouth missed 3 penalty kicks in the strong wind.
 
In spite of the adverse weather conditions all the teams tried to play some open rugby. Throughout the whole tournament only 6 tries were scored and 3 of these went to Totnes who unfortunately ended up in 3rd place.
 
Exmouth RFC wish to thank the Devon Referees Society for providing referees for the day being James Grant, Scott Baker and Cyril Illman
 
Squad: R Croal (Capt) N Tate, R Bolt, I Urmston, D Holifield, S Tate, N Smith,
G Price, A Pyne, M Loaring, P Atkins, I Harris, D Bywood, M Davison, M Oliver, I Jordan, S Ashley, J Justice, T Chapman, K Kesteven, R Nye, J Kirby, R Holman