It was a tough day for Exmouth, who eventually lost out 25-46 at home to Brixham but take nothing away from The Fishermen, they were much improved from last season, when the Cockles inflicted a home and away win. 

The main highlight from the Exmouth performance was a superbly taken hat-trick of tries by Matt Ryan, followed by ten points from George Meadows. The home side competed well in most elements of the game, although line-out was an area of concern.  

Missed tackles didn’t help, as that allowed Brixham to get on the front foot with seven tries of their own, Matt Crosscombe, Scott Puleston, Ricky Workman, Jordan Green (2), Jamie Hext and Mitch Pinkus, who also added four conversions, with one from Joel Ashworth. The home side also dropped to 14 men just before half-time with a Robbie Weeks yellow card. 

The Cockles pack competed well at the scrum, spectators would say that it was pretty even. Exmouth’s back line looked sharp with ball in hand, however they didn’t get enough opportunity to attack. In the end, the hard work on the field resulted in no league points for the home side, an early habit that needs to be overcome. A disappointing outcome, Exmouth have all the right components, not necessarily in the right order. 

On to Saturday, October 22, when the Cockles head to Okehampton in a tough encounter on the edge of Dartmoor, kick-off 2.30pm. 

Exmouth Quins travelled to Torquay 1st Team and came away with an impressive win, 34-38. This was the Exmouth side first win over a senior team in the league, having come close a couple of times. 

This bonus point victory keeps the side in second place in Counties 2 Tribute Devon League. Six tries scored by Rich Beharrell, Eliott Fielding, Charlie Gibbings, Charlie Passmore and Jevon Dry (2), his late try coming in the final seconds of the game to clinch the five league points.  

Sam Whitehead slotted four conversions off the tee. This performance will give the squad greater confidence heading in to next weekend, at home to Honiton 1st Team, kick-off at 2.30pm. 

Exmouth Nomads take on Honiton 2nd Team at home on Saturday, kick-off at 2.15pm.