This was always going to be a tough outing against one of the form teams in the league, however the lads fronted up and matched their hosts in the first forty minutes. Chew Valley scored a converted try on fourteen minutes, George Meadows uncharacteristically missed a couple of penalty shots, against a swirling wind. Both teams battered try lines, both teams held up defensively. The hosts succumbed to two yellow cards during the first half, matched by the COCKLES in the second half. Heading to the break, Matty Ryan split the defence after some lovely inter passing, then ran in a try from halfway, converted by Meads, 7-7 at the interval.

Playing up the hill, with the wind, hopes were high, it was pretty even running and smash tackling for twenty minutes. Chew got their second converted try, 14-7. A couple of minutes later Meadows kicked a penalty, 10-14. The final twenty minutes did not go the way of the COCKLES. The first yellow depleted the pack in terms of weight, Chew Valley were awarded a penalty try from a reset scrum, 10-21. Despite the setback, the COCKLES battered the Chew try line. A couple of penalties into the corner for lineout, the lads looked to catch and drive. A couple of penalties in our favour close to the try line, the outcome did not go our way. A second yellow with six minutes to go, meant we finished the game with 14 players. All the lads did themselves proud, with Chew Valley acknowledging that this was one of their toughest games on the season. Something to build on for the next outing, against league leaders Devonport Services on Saturday 17th February. Kick Off at 2.30 pm.

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COCKLES QUINS ran out 21-18 winners over South Molton RFC 1st Team. A close contest until the end, the COCKLES eventually closed the game out with a well worked try. COLTS played out a friendly with Topsham RFC Colts, Exmouth winning 24-10. Finally, the NOMADS had something to cheers about, recording a win on the road at Tiverton RFC. Winners 22-26 over the mid Devon side. The NOMADS regroup on Saturday 10th February with a home game against Exeter Saracens RFC 2nd Team. Kick off at 2.30 pm.

1st TEAM, QUINS & COLTS have a week off to watch the Six Nations. Saturday 17th February, COCKLES 1st TEAM take on Devonport Services RFC at home, QUINS make the short trip to Withycombe RFC 1st Team & COLTS head to Totnes RFC.

On Sunday 4th February, EXMOUTH RUGBY WOMEN travelled into Cornwall to take on Falmouth Rugby Womens XV. An entertaining game saw the COCKLES win 17-26 on the road.