The COCKLES travelled to Brixham on Saturday, they were met with The Fishermen playing, probably, their finest first half of rugby they will play all season. Well controlled, positional, executing play and using the slope extremely well.

Down 26-7 at the break, Brixham scored tries through Jamie Hext & Louie Drennan, Mitch Pinkus added four penalties from infringements, with two conversions. Mistakes hampered any progress Exmouth made, although they did lead 6-7 on 10 minutes, a try for Trae Gosling with George Meadows conversion.

The hopes were high, from COCKLES supporters, including veteran CLOGS, on a social day out. Five minutes into the new period Brixham scored again, those pesky interceptions, Matt Crosscombe and then a try from mistake, Andre Simonetti went over, one converted by Pinkus, took Brixham to 38-7. Game over? Not quite.

With some changes from the bench, the final twenty minutes went the way of the COCKLES, back with the resolve and style of play they had shown in the first four games. Attacking the ball, closing the defence and generally taking control of scrum and lineout, not perfect, however much improved. Nick Headley crossed the whitewash first, after some coherent interplay, Meads conversion. With forwards beginning to boss, Tom Mustoe scored, another conversion for Meads, 21-38. Despite winning the last couple of lineouts close to the try line, a positional infringement, gave Brixham the opportunity to clear their line for the final time. The COCKLES had their chances for a late bonus point try, however time eluded them. Final score 21-38

A fine final 20 minutes, however early simple errors cost the COCKLES dear. A lot to review from the eighty minutes, with work-ons in training this week. Confidence is the key, the squad have that in spades from early experiences this season.

Saturday 19th October sees EXMOUTH RUGBY 1st TEAM at home to Chew Valley, kick off @ 2.30 pm. QUINS, NOMADS & COLTS all make respective journeys to Devonport Services, Crediton and Torquay, all in league action.
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COCKLES QUINS got their first bonus point win of the season, 22-19 over Plymouth Argaum RFC 1st Team. The squad performance on the day, displayed the endeavour, with determination apparent all season. With other results around the region, Exmouth move off the bottom of the league, up four places. Pics courtesy Rusty Aldwinckle.

COCKLES COLTS returned to league action, against a resilient Paignton RFC Colts team. The young COCKLES played some great rugby, however, could not overcome their stronger visitors. Final score 35-17. Pics courtesy Rusty Aldwinckle.