Exmouth battled until the end to try and steal a reward from a brutal game at Weston-super-Mare, eventually going down 27-14.  

A minute on the clock and the visitors were knocking on the door to open their account. Moments later Exmouth were back in their own half trying to work their way up field against a strong breeze and driving rain.  

The first of two interception tries on three minutes was followed up by another on 10 minutes, scored by Cameron Maslen and Euan Tremlett.  

The Cockles found themselves 15-0 down early in the game but resilience and the ability to fight back will be key to the rest of this season, as well worked tries in quick succession from Jake Inglis and a great solo effort from Robbie Weeks put Exmouth back in the game, both converted by George Meadows, 15-14 after 25 minutes.  

With an eye on half-time, it seemed an increasing penalty count, which did not improve in the second period would work against Exmouth. Weston scored again, Maslen try, Tilsley extras, 22-14 to the hosts. 

Perhaps a reflection of the worsening conditions, the only score of the second half went to Ben Cox, Tilsley converting, 27-14 after 48 minutes. The rest of the half was played out with opportunities for both teams, 

Strong Exmouth defending helped immensely, a high penalty count didn’t, some at scrum time. This did improve with interchanges. Weston handled the conditions well and deserved their eventual win, but take off the fourteen points from two errors and Exmouth securing a scoring opportunity the result would have been different.  

Right on full time, the Cockles did get a chance to close the gap. A deft kick to the corner earned a five-metre lineout and the Exmouth lineout had largely been good through the game, better than the hosts. Unfortunately, the ball was lost and kicked to touch to end the game.  

The Exmouth endeavour and toil was never in doubt, the back line used what ball they had to test Weston, pretty even overall in the forwards. The Cockles just needed a little more of the game to go their way. 

Next up, another away trip up the M5 on Saturday to play Chew Valley RFC.