Over one April weekend, 44 players from two Exmouth RFC teams – Under 13 and 14 boys - undertook their first tour since before Covid.
Hitting the road for Cornwall, the players and their families enjoyed two nights away bonding as a team with a fancy dress night, beach games in the Cornish rain and plenty more shenanigans, culminating in excellent games against teams from Launceston and Falmouth.
The weekend was particularly memorable due to support from local Exmouth businesses: Pro Serve provided a great service in producing the tour sweatshirts and a raffle held on Saturday night raised £757 to be split between the teams. The coaches plan to provide new kit and training equipment with this boost to club funds, to ensure Youth Rugby continues to grow for the Exmouth side.
The raffle was made possible through the generous donation of prizes from: The Chronicle Restaurant, Franklins, Exe Events, Crealy, The Nail Room, Otterton Mill, Ruby Fury, B2B Fitness, Exmouth Melt Co, Nidra108, Ziigy n ae, Kiera Louise Beauty, Pelosi Creative, Maren & Wild, Mrs McBakes, Woodbarn Flowers, Bradford’s, House of Plants, Kings Garden Centre, Climb South West, Exped Diving, LED Exmouth, Darts Farm, Exeter City FC, Daffodils florist, Hairy Hounds, Andrew Humphries and Element Karbon.
The Cockles’ U16s shared the Fisherman’s Cup Shield with Torquay Athletic after a tense 12-12 draw in the final.
Exmouth took the lead early and went into half time 12-5 up, but the game continued to swing back and forth on field position. First half tries came from Charlie Tate and Tom Fenner with one conversion from Rocca Hurley. Both sides missed penalties after the game was levelled.
A try was ruled out that might have given Exmouth a hard-earned win, while Torquay hammered the try line but could not cross after heroic defence.
Exmouth U15s travelled to Crediton to take part in the Devon RFU 7’s Festival, eventually securing a Plate Competition victory. A great day, the boys played some expansive rugby, working hard on and off the pitch. Amazing performances all round, only missing out on a chance for the main trophy on points difference.
Exmouth won six out of seven games, coming from behind in the semi-final and final against an Exeter Saracens team, winning 17-12.
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