In the driving rain and thick mist on the edge of the moor, the curse of Cross-in-Hands struck again, as Ivybridge took the honours, 20-11, in a game that never really got started, writes Ian Harris. Exmouth last won at Ivybridge in 2021.

The Cockles were 20-6 down by half time, two penalties from the boot of Gareth Roebuck, were all they had to show for some periods of sustained pressure on the Ivybridge try line. In contrast, Exmouth gave up points from penalties, handling errors and poor clearance choice when kicking the ball away.

The fact that Lee Loveridge scored a try in the second half for the visitors illustrated that a fightback could have taken place. The try came very late in the game, with other opportunities missed. Exmouth defended their line on several occasions to stop the Ivybridge attack. No further scores for the hosts, the game ended 20-11. The travelling support could see the effort, just not the outcome on the day.

Team: Ollie Dawe, Jack Madge, Tommy Andrews, Steve Pape, Jack Fahy, Liam Bayley, Lee Loveridge, Toby Papp, Matt Ryan, Gareth Roebuck, Jake Inglis, Oli Cave, Nick Headley (C), Lewis Geran, Tom Richardson, Ollie Turner, James Clarke.

The Cockles first-team travel away to Launceston RFC on Saturday, March 23, kick off at 2.30pm. This should have been as a home game, however the Cockles helped by hosting Launceston when their pitch was unplayable on two previous separate occasion, so they now find themselves having to travel for the third week in a row.

Exmouth Quins were handed a home walkover when Ivybridge RFC 2nd Team was unable to raise a side to travel.

This Saturday will see the Quins head down to Torquay Athletic RFC first-team for a tough outing against one of the front runners in Counties 2 Devon League. This should be an entertaining game, kick off at 2.30pm. Exmouth Colts have a friendly planned with Plymstock Albion Oaks Colts. Kick off at Exmouth is 2.30pm.

Exmouth Rugby first-team will face Brixham RFC in a Senior Devon Cup, in a home and away two leg semi-final, to be played out on Saturday, April 13 and Saturday, April 20. Venue and kick-off times to be confirmed.