A home and away double completed, The COCKLES ran out 34-21 winners, over an enthusiastic Brixham RFC. The Fishermen came with intent and soon had the first score on two minutes, Joel Ashworth went over and converted his own try, 0-7. A couple of minutes later, the COCKLES hit back through a lovely Jake Inglis try, completed by a stunning touchline conversion from the boot of George Meadows, kicking with a swirling stiff breeze,7-7. It was important that the home side increased their lead with the wind, they did with three further tries from Liam Bayley, Matt Ryan and Lewis Geran, all a mixture of crash, snipe & tricky pace. Meads added two more swirling conversions, 26-7 at half time. Four try bonus point in the bag at the break.

The scrum and defensive set from the boys was impressive throughout out, even when interchanges were made. Both teams were unable to breach the defence or grab a score in the first twenty minutes of the second period. Gareth Roebuck stepped up and slotted a penalty to increase the lead 29-7. Then, in a six minute period of broken play where defence slipped, Brixham hit back with two tries from Joel Ashworth & Harry Rodwell, Ashworth converting both, 29-21. Any fears of a visitors comeback were finally quashed when skipper Dave Bargent hit a lovely line from the halfway line, to run in the final try of the afternoon, 34-21 final score.

Brixham left empty handed after a competitive afternoon of rugby. Five yellow cards, three for The Fisherman, two for the COCKLES, opened up some space, however it was the dominance of our forwards and backs that ensured a fine, 5 point, league win.

COCKLES U10s were on hand to run game day support, as well as provide half time entertainment with a mini game, honing their skills. Stars of the future.

Saturday 3rd February, a much stiffer challenge awaits, on the road at Chew Valley RFC near Bristol. The squad will regroup during the week and look to cement their plan to overturn an early season loss at home.

COCKLES QUINS worked hard in North Devon, however, came up against a full strength league leaders Barnstaple RFC, losing out 41-0. Saturday 3rd February, South Molton RFC are the visitors, kick off at 2.30 pm. COLTS recorded a fine win, against a brave Plymouth Albion Colts. Final score 52-0, furthers the Exmouth youngsters grip on a semi-final place in the Devon RFU Bowl competition. Saturday 3rd February, NOMADS are on the road at Tiverton RFC. COLTS take a break.