Sports in Exmouth

Yesterday's match versus Sale Sharks was an encouraging display after a slow start to the season for the Exeter Chiefs.

The Chiefs lost their first two matches against Leicester and Northampton, but bounced back with a 25-15 win against Sale.

In direct contrast to last weekend, a penalty in final play proves costly for the boys

With the forecast wind and rain coming through in waves at Memorial Park, today's game was always going to be tough for both sides.

A strong start to the league campaign isn't always measured in winning games – this is the case with Withy this year as the boys have so far done well to adjust to life in the higher league of Cornwall/Devon. The positive thoughts were flowing ahead of the predictably difficult match away in mid Devon.

With the early exchanges going Cullompton's way, the boys were taken aback by a strong start out of the blocks from the hosts as a second minute scrum saw the ball cleared to mid-pitch to allow Cully in under the posts.

This Saturday sees the third round of matches in the 2021/22 Tribute Cornwall/Devon league and the Withies are heading up to Mid Devon to play Cullompton.

With the first two matches ending in a narrow defeat to Bude and then last week's late equaliser at Raleigh Park against Plymstock Albion Oaks, the momentum in the team is beginning to grow; this coupled with the return of a couple players from injury this week, the boys will want to put in a confident performance against Cully.

A 75th minute score from Ben Bolwell ensured the points were shared at Raleigh Park.

Following last week's strong season opener against Bude, the youthful side went into this game with a level of confidence that they would be able to hold their own in the big matches. They also knew that a visit from Plymstock Albion Oaks would bring another tough game.

Trips to Bencoolen Meadow are never easy ones, Bude's fortress always makes for a difficult game, and this one was no different!

With the slight slope in their favour, the home side started the game strong, passing the ball well to work their way down the field. There was brief respite for Withy as the ball was lost forward.

Withies 1st XV battle the storm in South Molton

A soggy second half added extra difficulty to a physical game in North Devon.

Rugby returned to Raleigh Park this weekend in the first pre-season game of the 2021/22 season.

It's been 18 long months since the Withies took on Ilfracombe at Bicton.

The Exeter Chiefs lost 38 points to 40 in the Gallagher Premiership final against Harlequins on Saturday - but it was an all-round fantastic game of rugby from both sides, and, on a more positive note, Sam Simmonds has broken the record for most tries in one season.

The first half

Withycombe RFC's Vision 24 campaign got underway in style last weekend with a rather epic challenge.

Withies on Wheels saw a group of adventurous cyclists take to their bikes and cycle around Devon… in less than 24 hours!