Exmouth 31 - 5 New Cross

On a day when running rugby wasn’t really the order of the day, Exmouth still believed it was.

After only 5 minutes, from a forward drive, Jim Pallister went over for the first try, not converted.

New Cross, a rookie club based in Kingsteignton, were unable to withstand the continued pack pressures of Exmouth. Ian Dunston drove straight into the visitors pack, broke clear, and slipped the ball to scrum half Jim Nye who touched down near the posts for Steve Hexter to convert. Exmouth were now using the backs and in the 16th minute winger Richard Haynes was gifted with a score in the corner.

Six minutes later, Dick Holifield went over a Exmouth’s fourth try Hexter converting. Two minutes later, John Bird got through the visitors defence to score, Hexter adding the extras.

With 5 tries in 27 minutes it looked bleak for New Cross. However, after this, Exkmouth closed for business and thus it remained until half time.

In the second half New Cross scored 15 minutes after the restart. Clinton Mill touched down after Ben Gubby made a good run.

Exmouth’s pack of Dad’s Army forwards now contained New Cross. Thinking ahead to the Merit Table game against OPM’s, they were keen to conserve energy.