For the third game in succession, Exmouth Cockles secured all five league points. Travelling to the Forest of Dean, Drybrook RFC are always a tough nut to crack on their own ground but Exmouth took the honours 22-35 in a bruising encounter, and not many teams leave this venue with a 12-point gap.

Drybrook took an early lead before Nick Headley scored first for Exmouth. Tries then followed for Skipper Dave Bargent (2), Jack Madge and Fin Marks, while George Meadows added ten points from the tee. He also kept the hosts pinned down with a series of super 50-22 kicks throughout the game. The first four tries secured one bonus point before half time, 13-25.

In truth, the Cockles were up in every department, scrum, lineout and attack. Several try-scoring opportunities were ruled out, some marginal, some more clear cut. Outside the scrum, George Mears and Nick Headley created havoc. The front row set a perfect platform with slick line outs, the returning Charlie Gibbings was robust, as was Jack Hamilton and Matt Wrayford made his debut of the bench into the back five.

The Cockles now travel to Brixham on Saturday for a rearranged fixture from the recent poor weather. The Fisherman are in fine form this season and will be a real test for in their own back yard. After this, the Cockles then have a home league games run against Weston-super-Mare, Ivybridge and Okehampton.

Team. Jack Madge, Charlie Gibbings, Gareth Walker, Steve Pape, Jack Hamilton, Connor O’Shaughnessy, Archie Cruze, Dave Bargent, Matt Ryan, George Meadows, Lewis Geran, George Mears, Nick Headley, Jake Inglis, Fin Marks. Reps. Brad Skinner, Max Keen, Matt Wrayford.

The Quins lost narrowly at home to Withycombe. Next up is away to Barnstaple 2nds on Saturday. Exmouth Nomads had an entertaining run out with Crediton 3rd Team, losing out 7-24 to a young lively side. Two of the Exmouth lads had a combined age of 106 years, both ended up protecting a hamstring or two. A game played with great spirit. The Nomads travel to Brixham 3rds this weekend.