Match report: Exmouth Rugby Club first team vs Brixham

The match, held on Saturday, October 12, saw the Cockles face a formidable first-half performance from the Fishermen.

Brixham controlled the game well, using the slope to their advantage, and led 26-7 at half-time.

Brixham's Jamie Hext and Louie Drennan scored tries, with Mitch Pinkus adding four penalties and two conversions.

Exmouth's only try in the first half came from Trae Gosling, with George Meadows adding the conversion.

The Colts during a game (Image: Rusty Aldwinckle)

Despite leading 7-6 at the 10-minute mark, Exmouth struggled to make any real progress due to mistakes.

The second half saw more of the same, with Brixham scoring again within five minutes.

Interceptions by Matt Crosscombe and a try from Andre Simonetti, converted by Pinkus, took Brixham to a 38-7 lead.

However, the Cockles rallied in the final 20 minutes, making some changes from the bench.

Nick Headley scored first, with George Meadows converting, and then Tom Mustoe scored, with another conversion for Meadows, bringing the score to 21-38.

Nick Headley (Image: Brian Westaway)

Despite winning the last couple of lineouts, an infringement allowed Brixham to clear their line for the final time.

The Cockles had their chances for a late bonus point try, but time ran out.

The final score stood at 21-38.

The final 20 minutes showed a marked improvement in Exmouth's performance.

They attacked the ball, closed the defence, and generally took control of scrum and lineout.

However, their early simple errors proved costly.

The team now has a lot to review from the 80 minutes played, with a focus on confidence and addressing areas of improvement in training this week.

The Cockles supporters, including the veteran Cockles League of Old Gentlemen Supporters, were hopeful throughout the match.

Exmouth Rugby's first team will now face Chew Valley at home on Saturday, October 19, with kick-off at 2.30pm.

The Quins, Nomads, and Colts, meanwhile, will make their respective journeys to Devonport Services, Crediton, and Torquay, all in league action.

Elsewhere, the Cockles Quins celebrated their first bonus point win of the season, beating Plymouth Argaum RFC 1st Team 22-19.

Meanwhile, the Cockles Colts returned to league action against a resilient Paignton RFC Colts team, but could not overcome their visitors, losing 35-17.