Exmouth Under-12s went down 26-14 on their visit to Chard, writes Debbie Percy.

The young Cockles, who have been without a game for some time owing to opposition cancellations and soggy surfaces, travelled with just 13 players, but despite the numbers, each member played their part in what proved to be an exceptional all-round morning’s work from the team.

Unfortunately, in the final reckoning, the teams failing was that they allowed old habits to resurface. A lack of starting determination coupled with conceding an early try, put them onto the back foot and they were never quite able to fully recover, despite their best collective efforts.

Once Chard bagged the early advantage they went on to look the better of the teams in the early exchanges, aided along initially by some slippery ball work from the Cockles!

However, once they found their feet the young Cockles began to be competitive in all areas. IN particular the passing was some of the best the team have served up this season.

Both teams displayed some exceptional team work and neat set pieces. Time spent on ball handling skills in training really showed. Both defensive and offensive play was worthy of note. Some changes in position seemed to make a significant difference this week, most specifically the Cockles successfully contested more than their fair share of scrums, an area found wanting previously this season.

Tries were scored by Ieuan Brockway, as the result of a relentless driving mall, and Benji Horn, who launched himself onto the ball in a dramatic touch down in front of several back footed opponents! Both were converted neatly by scrum half Liam Daniels. Ryan Langstone took the honour of the mars bar challenge as the Cockles’ Player of the March.