The Exmouth Cockles deserved something from the 10-21 defeat at Chew Valley but sadly travelled back down the M5 empty handed.
This was always going to be a tough outing against one of the form teams in the league, but Exmouth matched their hosts in the first 40 minutes. Chew Valley scored a converted try on 14 minutes, George Meadows uncharacteristically missed a couple of penalty shots, against a swirling wind.
The hosts succumbed to two yellow cards during the first half, matched by the Cockles in the second half. Heading to the break, Matt Ryan split the defence after some lovely inter passing, then ran in a try from halfway, converted by Meadows, 7-7 at the interval.
Playing up the hill, with the wind, hopes were high, it was pretty even running and smash tackling for 20 minutes. Chew got their second converted try, 14-7. A couple of minutes later Meadows kicked a penalty, 10-14.
The final twenty minutes did not go the way of the Cockles. The first yellow depleted the pack in terms of weight, Chew Valley were awarded a penalty try from a reset scrum, 10-21.
Despite the setback, the Cockles battered the Chew try line. A couple of penalties into the corner for lineout, the lads looked to catch and drive. A couple of penalties in our favour close to the try line, the outcome did not go their way. Exmouth did themselves proud, with Chew Valley acknowledging that this was one of their toughest games on the season.
Next up is league leaders Devonport Services on Saturday, February 17, kick-off at 2.30pm.
Exmouth Quins ran out 21-18 winners over Soth Molton, while the Colts played out a friendly with Topsham RFC Colts, Exmouth winning 24-10. Exmouth Women performed superbly to win 26-17 at Falmouth.
Finally, the Nomads recorded a 26-22 win on the road at Tiverton RFC. The Nomads regroup on Saturday, February 10 with a home game against Exeter Saracens RFC 2nd Team. Kick off at 2.30pm.
The first-team, Quins and Colts have a week off to watch the Six Nations. As well as the home game with Devonport Services on February 17, the Quins have a derby at Withycombe and the Colts travel to Totnes.
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