A frantic final few minutes, under the burning sun, decided the outcome of a game that changed hands a couple of times during the afternoon.

A George Meadows penalty and Matt Ryan try kickstarted the scoring in the first 17 minutes, 0-8. Three penalties took the lead to Matson, 9-8. Jake Inglis then crossed the whitewash, right on half time. The COCKLES went to the break 9-13 to the good. Most of the second period went the way of the Gloucester hosts. Joshua Claxton and Joshua Locke tries moved the game to Matson, 21-13. On 63 minutes Nick Headley crossed to close the gap, Meadows converting, 21-20. Matson increased their lead to 31-20 when they scored another try and Connor Gwilliam completed his personal kicking haul with a penalty and conversion. With 6 minutes on the clock remaining, it could have looked like we were going to travel home empty handed.

The fitter team, able to cope with the heat and the experience in tight situation would win this. Two, stunning final tries from Jake Inglis, a fabulous solo effort and then Robbie Weeks burrowing over out wide, closed the gap, 31-30. The COCKLES still required something special, Meads duly obliged with a conversion, up the slope, tight to the touchline, in front of the home crowd on the side of the pitch. What a strike, they knew it was going over. 31-32 final score. 5 league points on the road is a great result. Matson fought hard however will be disappointed with the outcome. Gracious hosts in defeat. What a fight back, the lads overcame a few handling errors with yellow card to deliver an outright win.

Watch the match highlights On YouTube Here
Credit & courtesy Glossroots Sport.

Next up at home, Saturday 16th September, a visit from Okehampton. Kick Off at 2.30 pm.
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COCKLES QUINS bagged their second win on the bounce against Honiton RFC 1st Team. An entertaining run out in Counties 2 Devon league. The COCKLES hit the break 26-5 ahead, then went on to close out the game 36-15 winners. Taking five league points, scoring six tries in total.

COCKLES COLTS played their first Devon Colts Merit Table fixture, taking the spoils 36-7 against Wellington RFC Colts.

Saturday 16th September should see EXMOUTH QUINS, NOMADS & COLTS all on the road to North Tawton, Crediton and Paignton respectively.