September ended with the COCKLES going 4 wins from 4 games. At The Royal Avenue on Saturday, a large, noisy crowd were treated to a pulsating 32-22 victory, over early season favourites Barnstaple RFC. Both sides with an unbeaten record this term so far.

Two evenly matched teams battled out the early exchanges, Oli Mason crashed over for the first Exmouth try after fifteen minutes, converted by George Meadows. Four minutes later Connor Swan, extras from Tyler Gordon-Oke, levelled the score 7-7. Barnstaple played as billed, enterprising backs moving the ball, secured by a strong forward pack. On thirty minutes, Exmouth captain Dave Bargent took a quick tap penalty and burst over the whitewash, with Meadows adding the conversion, 14-7. Despite attacks from both teams, with a missed penalty opportunity from the COCKLES, the score did not change into the break.

The scrum and lineout from both teams provided additional entertainment, plenty of physicality on display, The COCKLES forwards got the upper hand through the afternoon for sure. Uncompromising defence a real feature from the home side. Matty Ryan sniped, then wriggled over to increase the lead, with Meads extras, 21-7. Cameron Johnson hit back with a try for the visitors. 21-12. George added a penalty shot, 24-12, all within the first fifteen minutes of the second half restart. The entertainment came thick and fast, a game that could go either way, got close to out of sight by the evasive running of Jake Inglis, who ran in unopposed, through the Barum defence, Meads conversion, 29-12. Barum added another try from Viliame Kotobalavu, before Mead again, slotted another penalty, 32-17. Barnstaple did eventually get some reward with a fourth try from Cameron Johnson, one losing bonus point. From the restart, the COCKLES shut down the visitors to ensure they secured all five league points. Final score 32-22.

Heady heights of the top of the league table for our boys. The whole squad are under no illusion that the season will unfold with some extremely tough games, home & away. Barnstaple at Pottington Road will definitely be one of them. Lydney & Marlborough, two of the top 6 teams, still to meet this year. A fine win on Saturday, The COCKLES not at their best, however, pretty close to very good. Plenty to work on over the next couple of weeks, before a return to Regional 1 South West League action, a trip to Brixham RFC on Saturday 12th October.

Saturday 5th October brings Devon RFU Senior Cup action to The Royal Avenue. The COCKLES entertain Topsham RFC, kick off at 2.30 pm. £5 entry per person with 16 & under Free. COCKLES NOMADS take on Devon RFU Deaf in their inaugural fixture, kick off at 2.00 pm. Entry charge applies.
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COCKLES QUINS secured a losing bonus point on the road at OPM Rugby in Plymouth. A fine performance against the home side 1st Team, the lads worked hard to close out the game 24-17.

COCKLES NOMADS lost out 53-0 to Barnstaple RFC 3rd Team. The mix of youth & experience could not contain the well drilled visitors.

COCKLES COLTS returned to league action at Okehampton Colts. In a tough encounter, the youngsters were outmuscled, losing out 27-15 on the road.