Boxing Day saw the Imperial Ground, Exmouth, play host to a very special sporting occasion.

In keeping with the best of festive traditions and an ‘in-house’ contest, the 2016 offering was a match between a Wright XV and a father’s and son’s XV.

Cockles’ director of rugby Chris Wright explained the team make-ups saying: “Our Wright XV was made up of brothers, sons and son-in-law and my daughter also managed to sneak on – she plays for Cullompton ladies.

“The fathers and sons team featured many current colts and their dads, notably club coaches John Justice and Ian Urmston and their sons, the legend that is Bob Armstrong plus many more.”

Chris continued: “We had around 70 players answer the call and we ended with a wonderful occasion.

“We were able to name 16 from the Wright clan and rolling substitutions were the order of the day in a game with end to end action, at times 15 players being replaced in one go!”

Fittingly, for such an event, there was another big Imperial Ground turnout. The contest produced some exceptional rugby with a mix of dazzling skills, thunderous hits and numerous tries.

For the record the Wright XV triumphed, but the real winner on the day was the sport of rugby.

The club would like to place on record a resounding round of thanks to referee Dan Gorfin, Roger Holman, and Keith Pyne and Doctor Simon Kay.

Post match the celebratory nature of the proceedings continued in a packed clubhouse where there was live music on offer and players began to plan the 2017 Boxing Day extravaganza!