In a cracking advert for Devon rugby, Exmouth went down 21-17 at Barnstaple but a game the Cockles had in their sights right up to the last couple of minutes.

Within five minutes, Barum had scored through Brandon Moore, extras from Tyler Gordon-Oke. Exmouth were reduced to fourteen men for ten minutes. A theme for both teams throughout the game with another two players from each side taking a break.

Gareth Roebuck kicked a penalty to close the gap 7-3 on fourteen minutes. Both teams went hammer and tongs at each other for the rest of the half, no further score as both defences held out for the first 40, 7-3 at the break.

Exmouth finally took the lead, four minutes in to the second half, Lewis Geran crossed the line with Roebuck adding the conversion, 7-10 to the Cockles. On 55 minutes, Nat Bayet scored for the hosts with Gordon-Oke adding the conversion.

Alex Kern made his first-team debut off the bench and within two minutes, a Nick Headley try was converted by Roebuck, 14-17 to the Cockles.

Under extreme pressure, despite super defence, Barnstaple were awarded a penalty try with 60 seconds on the clock. A tough call after such a strong performance from the squad, who did leave with a losing bonus point.

Another away trip this Saturday, a rearranged visit to Launceston RFC.

Exmouth Quins secured a draw in the final eight minutes of the game, after being 12-24 down to Plymouth Argaum. Rich Cadywould did have a chance to win it with a conversion, just short on this occasion. He did convert two of four tries from Tom Mustoe, Finn Urmston, Joe Harris and Ben Mellor.

Exmouth Nomads lost out 0-83, to a young lively university-based, Exeter Engineers RFC. The Colts continued their fine form with a 5-22 win on the road against Paignton RFC Colts. Totnes Colts visit the Imperial Ground on Saturday, kick-off at 2pm.

Exmouth Women had a tough day at the office, Kingsbridge Ladies running out winners 10-49. Both Exmouth tries were scored by Helen Rosewarne. A massive effort from the team with some very new faces to rugby getting a game.

The squad pictured in their new shirts, kindly sponsored by Fowler Financial Planning, with Devon Contractors & Fernbank Advertising.