In a game a lot closer than the final 27-47 score suggests, the Cockles fought all the way, losing out to current table toppers Chew Valley.

A pretty even first half did not get the ideal start when Exmouth’s Robbie Weeks pulled up in the warmup. Oli Cave came in to start, however this left Exmouth with only 17 players on the day. An entertaining half for the neutral, the home side took the lead through James Clarke, who scored the first of his brace of tries.

The teams traded points throughout with Oli Cave carving through on 33 minutes, Gareth Roebuck added a penalty and two conversions. Going into the half time break 17-22 down, expectation from the watching Vice Presidents Luncheon guests was buoyant.

The start to the second half didn’t go to plan and Chew Valley kick-started their scoring within two minutes, a suspicion of a player in front of the kicker was ignored and Exmouth went further behind.

Despite the scrum dominance of Exmouth throughout the game, they did have the only scrum penalty against them. That said Chew Valley were good value for their lofty position in the league. James Clarke strength and speed cut the defence and Roebuck added another conversion with penalty, score at 27-29.

The last 20 minutes, however, determined the final part of the game. Player changes, a high penalty count, yellow card and a couple of defensive slips saw Chew Valley top up their scoring to the end.

Exmouth Quins secured a well-deserved win at South Molton RFC 1st Team. The home side were a tough outfit with big carrying forwards but the speed of the Cockles proved too much. Exmouth defence was resolute and shut down the South Molton scoring opportunities. Tries with twelve points off the tee were enough to secure a 19-27 win.

Exmouth Colts travelled to Totnes RFC Colts and came away with a 22-29 win. Finding some form, the Exmouth youngsters played well on the road.

After a weekend break for all teams, Exmouth Quins entertain Withycombe RFC 1st Team on November 4 in a Past Players Day at Imperial Road. If you played rugby for the Cockles any level, please check out the website to book your place. www.exmouthrugby.co.uk