A frantic final few minutes, under the burning sun, decided the outcome of a game that changed hands a couple of times before Exmouth won 32-31 at Matson.
A George Meadows penalty and Matt Ryan try kickstarted the scoring in the first 17 minutes, 0-8. Three penalties took the lead to Matson, 9-8.
Jake Inglis then crossed the whitewash, right on half time. The Cockles went into the break 9-13 to the good but most of the second period went the way of the Gloucester hosts, who led 21-13.
On 63 minutes, Nick Headley crossed to close the gap, Meadows converting, 21-20. Matson increased their lead to 31-20 when they scored another try and Connor Gwilliam completed his personal kicking haul with a penalty and conversion. With six minutes remaining, it looked like Exmouth were going to travel home empty handed.
The fitter team, able to cope with the heat and the experience in tight situation would win this. Two, stunning final tries from Jake Inglis, a fabulous solo effort and then Robbie Weeks burrowing over out wide, closed the gap, 31-30.
The Cockles still required something special, George Meadows duly obliged with a conversion, up the slope, tight to the touchline, in front of the home crowd on the side of the pitch. What a strike, they knew it was going over. Five league points on the road is a great result.
Team. Jack Madge, Charlie Gibbings, Tommy Andrews, Olly Willis, Liam Bayley, Will Ridout, Connor O’Shaughnessy, Dave Bargent ©, Charlie Passmore, George Meadows, Jake Inglis, Robbie Weeks, Nick Headley, Matt Ryan, Gareth Roebuck. Tom Mustoe, Charlie Parr, Reiss Boon.
Next up at home on Saturday is a visit from Okehampton, kick-off at 2.30 pm.
Exmouth Quins bagged their second win on the bounce against Honiton RFC 1st Team. An entertaining run out in Counties 2 Devon league. The Cockles hit the break 26-5 ahead, then went on to close out the game 36-15 winners. Taking five league points, scoring six tries in total.
Cockles Colts played their first Devon Colts Merit Table fixture, taking the spoils 36-7 against Wellington RFC Colts.
This Saturday should see Exmouth Quins, Nomads and Colts all on the road to North Tawton, Crediton and Paignton respectively.
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