Action between Exmouth Quins and Barnstaple at the Imperial on Saturday. Photo by Simon Horn. Ref exsp 8102-08-13SH To order your copy of this photograph go to www.exmouthjournal.co.uk and click on MyPhotos24.

Brixham 25, Exmouth 2nd XV 34

Exmouth sit top of the Devon Merit Table 1 and, even though there are a number of games still to be played, they are looking good to be crowned champions.

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The Quins were boosted by the return of a number of key players including Richard Cadywould, Dale Sleeman and Jack Westlake.

Exmouth started the match playing down the slope and immediately gained the upper hand with a series of attacks in the Brixham half.

The opening score came in the 10th minute when Sleeman took the ball into the opposing 22 and offloaded to former Bournemouth centre Adam Higgins who touched down.

Flying winger Lewis Edwards was next on the score sheet, but this time had to bounce off a couple of tackles before diving over in the corner!

The Cockles were now in command and Westlake lead the way from the number eight slot with a series of big carries whilst Mick Smith showed how good his all-round game is with a number of scything tackles.

A silly penalty, given away just outside the Exmouth 22, allowed Brixham to reduce the deficit to 10-3, but ten minutes later Cadywould jinked and danced his way through the home defence to score a try he then converted.

That took Quins into the break with a 17-3 advantage.

Three minutes after the re-start the home side bagged their first try following a controversial catch and drive from a line-out that Exmouth didn’t engage in.

This galvanised the visitors and they responded with two quick tries of their own from Naca Kinikinilau and Phil Kay, both converted by Cadywould.

Brixham responded well, added a drop goal and two converted tries and the Quins lead was reduced to just six points.

With 10 minutes left Exmouth again went on the offensive and fought their way up the pitch to within striking distance of the Brixham try line.

Following a series of forays at the Brixham line it was left to Cadywould to stroke a drop goal between the sticks right on the final whistle to secure a hard earned victory.