Exmouth’s game with Launceston was switched to a home fixture due to an unplayable pitch in Cornwall, but it backfired on the Cockles with a 12-23 defeat.

Playing with the howling cold breeze behind them, Toby Papp scored the Cockles' first try on eight minutes. Launceston replied with two tries of their own from Brandon Rowley and Cam Fogden, 5-10.

The Exmouth pack was solid under pressure from the bigger opposition and back division looked tricky against a miserly Launceston defence. After sustained pressure, Ollie Dawe crashed over, converted by Gareth Roebuck, the Cockles edged in to a 12-10 lead. The last ten minutes of the half, both sides look to establish superiority.

More of the same in the second period, both teams looking for the break, Launceston had the elements in their favour. It came via a penalty on 65 minutes, James Tucker established a 12-13 lead for the visitors.

Exmouth went down to 14 men for ten minutes, Launceston did not relinquish the lead and scored two further tries from Cam Fogden, 12-23 final score.

The Cockles had their chances, Lewis Geran appeared to score in the corner, only to be chalked off by the referee but handling errors and a couple of slipped tackles were the difference.

A resurgent Brixham RFC visit the Imperial Ground on Saturday, kick-off at 2pm. The Cockles took the honours, 45-22, in Fish Town back in October.

Team: Ollie Dawe, Jack Madge, Tommy Andrews, Liam Bayley, Steve Pape, Will Ridout, Connor O’Shaughnessy, Toby Papp, Matt Ryan, George Meadows, Jake Inglis, Oli Cave, Dave Bargent, Lewis Geran, Gareth Roebuck. Brad Skinner, Tom Mustoe, Henry Goldson.

Exmouth Quins lost out in a lively game at Honiton RFC. Although leading 5-10 at half time, the Cockles did not take enough advantage of the slope and found themselves on the back foot soon after the restart, but the final score 43-15 did not reflect the overall game. A trip to Barnstaple on Saturday will provide another tough challenge for the young side.

Exmouth Colts continued their strong form in the Devon RFU Colts Bowl Competition, winning 47-10 against a hard-working Totnes RFC Colts. Next up, Plymouth Albion Colts visit the Imperial Ground on Saturday, kick-off at 2pm