COCKLES 1ST TEAM continued their fine form against Wiltshire outfit Marlborough RFC. The first meeting of the two sides, the visitors arrived with a strong reputation of playing open rugby, with a high skill level.

Both teams looked to impress in the early exchanges, it was Fin Marks who had a very early score chalked off, to be awarded a penalty further back. From there, the side delivered the first of eleven tries throughout the afternoon. Three minutes on the clock, Toby Papp went over, with a George Meadows conversion, 7-0. Fifteen minutes later Lewis Tose kicked a penalty, with Adam Watts adding a try on 26 minutes, 15-0 to the COCKLES. Marlborough displaying some of their handling skills, with raw power opened their account after thirty minutes, through Save Tuimatanisaqa, with Sione Matakaiongo conversion, 17-7. It was the home side who displayed more flare when Lewis Geran reached out for the try line. Scoring in Cockles Corner, in front of a large group of home supporters, took the score to 20-7 at the break.

The competitive edge of this COCKLES squad kicked in immediately after half-time. With scrum, lineout and all round running skills on display, the next 30 minutes saw a number of tries. Dave Bargent, Lewis (again), Ollie Dawe, Bryn Edwards, Bobby Pond, Fin Marks & Nick Headley, all crossed the try line. Meads added two conversions, 61-7, in the blink of an eye. Sione Matakaiongo and Jonasa Tabua added tries with a conversion for Matakaiongo, 61-17 just on seventy-nine minutes. There was still time for Nick to add to his brace, with Meads conversion (although he did miss six, cue ironic cheers), 68-17, final score. Five league points achieved from eight out of nine games this season, we remain in top spot in Regional 1 South West for now. Plenty of tough games to come. On Vice Presidents Day, our loyal club stalwarts voted Exmouth No.8 Bryn Edwards, as Man of the Match.

Saturday 23rd November, the squad are on a break week in the league calendar. Our COCKLES coaching team & players will look to fine tune and set the squad ready for a visit to Gloucestershire at the end of the month, when we take on Lydney.
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COCKLES QUINS & NOMADS had mixed fortunes. QUINS lost out 23-19 on the road at South Molton RFC 1st Team, bringing home a losing bonus point. NOMADS ran out at home to South Molton RFC 2nd Team and recorded a 24-24 draw. Next up, on Saturday 23rd November, NOMADS at home to Torrington, KO at 2.30 pm. COLTS travel to Plymstock Albion Oaks in their final 1st stage league fixture. Following the result of this game, the Exmouth youngsters will find out their next stage opposition.

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