In a real dogfight between two-evenly matched teams, Exmouth eventually went down to a 16-14 defeat at Brixham.

An early Brixham penalty from Mitch Pinkus started the scoring on four minutes. The score stayed that way into half time, 3-0.

The Exmouth forwards worked hard to secure position, the front row packed in a full eighty minutes and the backs tried to break the gain line. Unfortunately, old frailties with lineouts and spilled ball, along with Brixham defence, quashed any scoring, but the Cockles’ defence held firm with some great work from all the lads.

There was high expectation from the few travelling supporters that the Cockles would click in the second period. Brixham added an Ashworth drop goal, 6-0.

Great work around the park delivered super individual tries from Robbie Weeks and then Dave Bargent. George Meadows added two well struck conversions, 6-14.

George Mears, James Clarke with Jake Inglis twisted and turned to create chances, but any further opportunities dried up with twenty minutes to run on the clock.

Brixham got their hands on the ball and gnawed away for the win with a try from Joel Ashworth, conversion and further penalty from Pinkus.

The Cockles couldn’t retrieve the ball for long enough to respond but taking one losing bonus point from this encounter was some reward however, more could have travelled home.

Heading to the sharp end of the League season, three home games remain. Next up on Saturday are Weston-super-Mare, followed by Ivybridge (11th) with Okehampton (18th). Then, a couple of Devon Senior Cup games home and away. Please join the Cockles for some great match-day action.

Team. Jack Madge, Will Ridout, Gareth Walker, Steve Pape, Liam Bayley, Lee Loveridge, Max Keen, Toby Papp, Charlie Passmore, George Meadows, James Clarke, George Mears, Dave Bargent, Jake Inglis, Robbie Weeks. Reps. Lee Nightingill, Matt Wrayford, Ben Mellor.

Exmouth Quins and Nomads both lost out to Barnstaple 2nd & 3rd team respectively. All credit to the lads who made up the squads, some playing out of position. Barum were stronger all round however the effort was huge to get the games on. Next up for the Quins is South Molton 1sts on the road, while the Nomads are home to South Molton 2nds.