Exmouth Under-11s action v Wimborne

Honiton 0-24 Exmouth.

Exmouth Under-11s had to compete with a very muddy and uneven surface, but still produced some excellent performances to nail a clean sheet success.

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With so many game being lost recently to the weather, both sides were eager to play, despite the underfoot conditions and what they collectively produced was an exciting contest.

The game started at a decent pace with the Exmouth forwards dominant from the first whistle. With the conditions not allowing a pacey game, the onus was placed on moving the ball, something the Cockles did exceptionally well.

The backs were able to play some great rugby off the possession gained by the forwards, but this was not a game that suited the runners!

Ten minutes in the first score arrived when Harry Sprague used his strength, resisted many attempts to stop his progress, and released fellow forward Zach Lines to make a spirited dash over the Honiton line. Luke Davis was unable to convert a difficult conversion.

The home team matched the Cockles pressure until a fumbled pass just short of the Exmouth try line enabled Ben Dawson to steal the ball and dash the full length of the pitch to score Exmouth’s second. Luke Davis converted and the Cockles held a 12-0 lead at half time.

After the break Exmouth made a number of changes to underline the strength they have in depth in this age group. Playing with the slope in their favour they made the most of it with some great link-up play between Arron Lee, Luke Davis and Jarrad Palmer until they were taken in to touch.

The mud took its toll with two players losing their boots as they pushed forward!

The Exmouth scrum was the stronger and it was from a Honiton scrum that concerted pressure combined with the Cockles’ much improved line speed, pushed Honiton back within meters of their try line.

The hosts stood firm and managed to break away, but a pass was intercepted by Ben Dawson who sprinted clear for his second and Arran Lee tucked away the conversion.

Moments later Lee powered over taking with him four home players as he crossed for the fourth Cockles try. Lee’s conversion missed the target and the game ended with the Cockles deserved winners.

The referee was praised for his fairness and approach which enabled the game to be played with continuity which was very hard in the conditions.

The award for tackler of the match went to Ollie Cowley for creating some huge problems for Honiton’s advance.

The Man of the Match award went to Ben Dawson for his persistent pressure and his long distance sprint for the try line to score.