Exmouth RFC secured a 25-18 win with a solid performance against well-known rivals Ivybridge.

In fact, they are so well known that the visitors threw everything at the Cockles in attack and defence, as they knew where the Exmouth scoring threats might come from.

Ivybridge started brightly but the home side turned defence into attack for Nick Headley to score the first try after some kick-chase with neat dribbling skills virtually the length of the field.

During the half, further tries for Robbie Weeks and George Mears, with two conversions from George Meadows, gave Exmouth the lead at half time, 19-11.

Ivybridge scored two penalties from Matt Grieveson, then a late try from Owen Garner, with Exmouth a man down in the forwards at the end and beginning of the half.

It was that yellow card before the break that helped Ivybridge get back into the game with a second catch and drive try from Owen Garner, Grieveson extras, 19-18.

The second forty was an arm wrestle that looked to be swinging the way of Ivybridge until very late. The pressure was coming from Exmouth with two successful penalties from George Meadows pushing the score to 25-18.

Overall, this was a mixed outing of combative rugby. Strong defence from both sides stopped any further scores, both teams made mistakes that were not so costly, but it was  down to the determination of the Cockles to battle for the home win.

This Saturday see the culmination of the League season against resurgent visitors Okehampton. This rearranged league fixture will also double up as a Devon Cup pool game as the calendar is a little tight for two separate fixtures.

There are still two further Devon Cup pool matches to come against Newton Abbot (Away) on March 25 and Devonport Services (Home) on April 1. Please join the Cockles for plenty of match-day action and hospitality.

Team: Jack Madge, Will Ridout, Brad Skinner, Steve Pape, Liam Bayley, Jack Hamilton, Max Keen, Dave Bargent, Matty Ryan, George Meadows, Lewis Geran, George Mears, Nick Headley, James Clarke, Robbie Weeks. Reps. Gareth Walker, Harry Sprague, Finn Musgrove.