Exmouth 0 - 5 Barnstaple

A scene setter for the Devon Cup Final this game had all the trappings of being a peculiar affair with both senior teams contesting for that prize later on. Earlier in the season Exmouth visited Barnstaple and came away with nothing despite having the majority of the ball, but just could not break through the Barnstaple defence and they were determined not to repeat this.

From beginning to end this was a very closely fought game with both sides showing respect for the other and very few scoring opportunities. Early on Winston James collected the ball just inside the Exmouth half and made it to the try line only for the referee to rule that he put a foot in touch. Moments later in the referee made amends for disallowing that Barnstaple try by awarding one, again to Winston James, although it appeared to be short of the line. The try went unconverted.

The game was dominated by the forwards and Barnstaple made the early ground but Exmouth came back and pushed Barnstaple off their own ball to cheers from the home crowd. This wasn't a fast open affair with the ball seldom being spun wide, but when it did Exmouth always looked the most likely to score. Some poor handling errors helped keep the Barnstaple line intact together with some excellent cover tackling.

Lloyd Murrin step up to take the full-back berth and had an outstanding game. Some telling kicks cleared the Exmouth line and put Barnstable under pressure. This coupled with some excellent footwork put him in contention for man of the match. However this honour went for quite an outstanding display by Ben Waistell who appeared to be involved in just about every phase - tackling, driving forward, pick and go - Ben was always involved. A popular and much deserved winner.

The second half was very much a repeat of the first but with Exmouth looking the more likely to score. Despite being reduced to 14 players this seemed to spur on the Exmouth team. A break down the touchline saw a very close call with the the referee adjudging a foot was in touch.

The last 10 minutes saw Exmouth pressed hard coming so close to snatching victory, but as in the previous encounter the Barnstaple defence held firm.

Although there was only the one score this was an excellent encounter between two very committed sides and were a credit to themselves and their respective clubs. Joe Parkin once again controlled the game at scrum-half and his older brother - John - was desperate to return after troubling a recurring injury in the first half only to suffer further after the break - and gave a brave performance.

Although some mixed form put paid to finishing in a play-off place Exmouth have done enough to get into the Plate play-off and will meet Tavistock. The winner will go on to play in the final against either
Bideford or Stonehouse.