Exmouth Rugby 1st team vs Ivybridge RFC

Saturday 3rd September 2022 (away)

Final score: Exmouth RFC 13-15 Ivybridge RFC

The only try of the game from prop Danny Martin with eight points from the boot of George Meadows were not enough to win this game. Exmouth lost their first league encounter 15-13 on the road to a tricky Ivybridge outfit. Five penalties from Matt Grieveson partly told the story. The Cockles' indiscipline let Ivybridge back into this game. Leading 10-6 at half-time, with a very strong 20-minute period behind them, Exmouth looked like they could forge ahead further.

Technical errors and losing the ball in contact really affected the outcome of this match. Debutants Archie Cruze, Finn Musgrove and James Clarke slotted in well. The latter two lads a product of the Cockles junior age grades a few years ago. The forwards looked dominant in most areas and backs went looking for angles, lines of running and opportunities to break free. Just the collision point, lost pass or error stopped the boys from scoring. Cockles' defence was strong and restricted the opposition to penalties only. Any scoring opportunity was blocked with big tackles. The rain set in throughout the afternoon (unusual) and this could be attributed to some of the slip handling from both teams. Who also had a yellow card apiece during the second forty minutes.

Exmouth banked a losing bonus point, staunch defence ensured that they did not lose that close to the end of the game. Ivybridge battered the goal line only to be met by all the Cockles players coming the other way.

Next up a tough test against league newcomers Chew Valley. A great test to bounce back now that the first game jitters have been cleared. A home crowd will get behind the lads, kick off at 2.30 pm on Saturday 10th September.

Exmouth Rugby Quins v Ivybridge RFC 2XV

Taking 5 league point from last season league winners was the perfect start for Exmouth QUINS in this new Counties 2 Devon league. For the first time, a league mixed with club 1st and 2nd teams, there are some cracking fixtures to come. Tries from Ethan Langson Justice (2), Erin Inglis (2), Dan Wilde and Charlie Passmore with two conversions from Sam Moudiotis completed the scoring, 34-22. The game was a lot closer than the score suggests with the Ivybridge pack starting well, although The Cockles were 17-3 up at half-time. The visitors tried to get back into the game however it was the home side that always looked the better. Defensively the lads worked hard as a unit, with team pace on the ball eventually making the difference.  A trip to Brixham on Saturday 10th September will test this young QUINS team.

Exmouth Nomads v Crediton 3rd XV

Exmouth fielding 3 senior teams on Saturday, the NOMADS travelled to Crediton for their first league game. The lads selected really put in a super performance. With little preparation time and a number of new lads on debut with returning players, they just lost out 21-17. Very close in the first half, both teams worked to find a scoring opportunity. 7-3 at the break. Cockles NOMADS walked away with a losing bonus point however came close to taking all the spoils. Very encouraging for Richie Guy and Phil Curtis leading the squad. The NOMADS entertain Bideford IIs at Exmouth on Saturday 10th September. Kick off at 2.15 pm.