Bideford 10 - 0 Exmouth

What a great set up they have at Bideford and despite the copious amounts of rainfall the first team pitch was in excellent condition and the hospitality just as good.

This young Exmouth side continue to learn the lessons from some wiser opponents which continues to encourage them and those supporting them. It is just a matter of time before they truly click, and we saw glimpses of this potential at Bideford.

The first half was probably the most exciting part of the game. Exmouth forwards were on top for most of the half against a much bigger side providing clean ball for the back line. Alex Hole was dwarfed by his opposite number but gave a powerful performance. Unfortunately this possession did not yield any points. Both sides had kickable penalty opportunities and the heavy ground took its toll with all three being missed - two from the boot of Adam Morris.

The first half was a joy to watch, two very evenly matched sides giving their all to gain that illusive opportunity to convert possession into points. Powerful runs by John Kay and Liam Millman tested the Bideford defence but both sides covered well to keep their goal line intact.

The second half was in many ways similar to the first with both sets of forwards battling to gain possession and the Bideford backs looked to have a slight edge.

Bideford stepped up a gear in the second half and some well worked rolling mauls saw them score two tries out wide. Both went unconverted. These were not scored without some defiant Exmouth defensive work with the forwards putting in big tackles. Unfortunately the older, and maybe wiser Bideford forwards retained the ball rolling one way then the other on both occasions.

The conditions meant that much of the play was with the forwards and understandably both sets of backs made errors with the combination of cold hands and slippery ball. The frustration led to an above average number of penalties being awarded as the discipline slipped on both sides.

Exmouth can take heart from this game as they played their part in providing an entertaining match. Perhaps they will rue not having made more of their first half possession when hard won ball frequently did not cross the gain line and the forwards found themselves going backwards having won the ball.