Exmouth Rugby Club recorded a dramatic 21-17 victory at Okehampton on the weekend and, in truth, it was a case of winning ugly. 

It did not take long for the Cockles to get on the scoreboard, as continued early pressure resulted in three points from a George Meadows penalty. This was the pattern of the game for the first 15 minutes, 3-6 to Exmouth, all penalties.  

On 21 minutes, Okey were awarded a penalty try after Dave Bargent was adjudged to take a tackle early from an Okehampton tap penalty close to the try line. An easy seven points for the hosts and Bargent collected a ten-minute rest.  

On the half-hour, Meadows slotted another penalty, although the Cockles could have had a penalty try of their own after an Okehampton defender appeared to slap the ball down as Exmouth headed to the try line. A few minutes later, Fin Marks did cross to score a well taken try, Meadows converted, 10-16 at the break. 

Ten minutes after the restart, Bargent found himself in position out wide left to put another five points on the board, Meadows missed the conversion this time, 10-21. Okehampton, playing down the slope, strung together numerous attacking lines but the Exmouth defence largely held out. 

Tom White added a try with Dan Fogerty conversion, closing the gap to 17-21. Meadows did miss a reasonably straightforward penalty that would have taken the visitors a little further away. A messy 20 minutes ensued, Okehampton collecting two yellow cards, however Exmouth were unable to make the numerical advantage count to increase their lead. 

It was, however, a top defensive display and the Cockles will be full of confidence for the weekend visit from Launceston, kick-off 2.30pm. 

Exmouth Quins lost out 10-39 to a robust Honiton 1st Team. The final scoreline did flatter the visitors with two late tries in the closing minutes. The Exmouth points came from second half tries from Martin Westaway and Joe Harris.  

The first half was pretty close with Honiton edging in to an 8-0 lead. The second 40 minutes proved more challenging with a total five tries for Honiton. A trip to Devonport Services 2nd Team in Plymouth will be another tough test on Saturday. 

Exmouth Nomads beat Honiton 2nds, 46-14.