On current form this was always going to be a tricky trip to North Devon. The game turned out to be a very close affair, which the COCKLES had in their sights right up to the last couple of minutes of the game.

Within five minutes Barum had scored through Brandon Moore, extras from Tyler Gordon-Oke. Exmouth were reduced to fourteen men for ten minutes. A theme for both teams throughout the game with another two players from each side taking a break. Gareth Roebuck kicked a penalty to close the gap 7-3 on fourteen minutes. Both teams went hammer and tongs at each other for the rest of the half, no further score as both defences held out for the first forty, 7-3 at the break.

Exmouth finally took the lead, four minutes in to the second half, Lewis Geran crossed the line with Gareth adding the conversion, 7-10 to the COCKLES. On fifty five minutes Nat Bayet scored with Gordon-Oke adding the conversion, 14-10, back in favour of the home side. Alex Kern made his first team debut off the bench and within two minutes a Nick Headley try was converted by Gareth, 14-17 to the COCKLES. Eight minutes to play, it was in the hands of the COCKLES to close out. Unsurprisingly, the large home crowd were very vocal throughout the afternoon, even more so in the final few minutes. Under extreme pressure, despite super defence, Barnstaple were awarded a penalty try with sixty seconds on the clock. A tough call after such a strong performance from the squad. 21-17 final score, the COCKLES did leave with a losing bonus point, although it was nearly so much more.

Another away trip this Saturday 20th January, a re arranged visit to Launceston RFC. The lads will look to continue their form in Cornwall.

COCKLES QUINS secured a draw in the final eight minutes of the game, after being 12-24 down to Plymouth Argaum RFC 1st Team. Rich Cadywould did have a chance to win it with a conversion, just short on this occasion. He did convert two of four tries from Tom Mustoe, Finn Urmston, Joe Harris and Ben Mellor. The try bonus point ensured the COCKLES got an extra league point with final score shared at 24-24.

COCKLES NOMADS lost out 0-83, to a young lively university based, Exeter Engineers RFC. COCKLES COLTS continued their fine form with a 5-22 win on the road against Paignton RFC Colts. Totnes Colts visit the Imperial Ground on Saturday 20th January, kick off at 2.00 pm.

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