Exmouth 20 - 12 Cullomption

What a great afternoon for rugby – England lining up to beat Australia – and another opportunity for Exmouth to record that first illusive win of the season.

Another hard training session focused on those key areas where the game is won and lost – but for Exmouth has meant just the odd score away from victory so far this season.

Despite a strong squad only 20 fit players reported for duty and with coach Shaun Parkin in Cardiff it was left for Mark Worth to reshuffle to provide the best balance possible from resources available, with Shaun Fayter stepping in at scum-half and Adam Morris at fly-half.

Exmouth started where they had left off the previous week pressuring their opponent’s line from the kick off and were rewarded with an early penalty converted by Adam Morris.

The dominant Exmouth team continued to exert pressure on a powerful Cullompton pack and it was Cullompton that seemed to have the better ideas. From the scrappy possession they had their forwards were able to set up a solid platform which saw Alex Pryce cross for two unconverted tries in the first half.

The gap at half-time could have been greater but for some excellent cover tackling and defence, especially from man of the match Luke Pearcey. His work rate and commitment was unquestionable throughout the afternoon.

It very much looked like a repeat of recent weeks was on the cards that despite the Exmouth dominance in open play they were missing that final pass to convert this pressure into points. Half time saw Exmouth trailing 3-12.

The second half started as the first ended with Exmouth pounding the Cullompton line and credit is due to them for continuing to keep their line intact.

Kev Rodwell started the game carrying an injury and solidly contributed to the team performance in both attack and defence. He was replaced early in the second half by James (Jaffa) Bartholomew who made an immediate impact to the attacking line crashing down the left wing from which the ball was set up creating a platform for the backs to attack from just 10 yards out. The ball went along the line to Liam Vaughan who cut inside and with a final last effort managed to stretch that extra bit to reach the try line near the posts. Adam Morris converted and Exmouth were back in the game.

What followed was the type of play we have enjoyed so far this season but there was now the belief that they can score tries and win matches. Archie O’Connell join the try scoring action following several phases of good possession to power his way over to put Exmouth ahead for the first time.

Although a brave display by Cullompton side and from here on there was no turning back as Exmouth were in control.
From another solid forward base Shaun Fayter made a dash for the line dancing past defenders to score under the posts. Again Adam Morris added the extras and Exmouth.

At 20-12 this was a close match with both sides deservedly proud of the contribution they made to a great afternoon of rugby – made much sweeter by the England win.

This was the victory that Exmouth had come so close to achieving in the previous games and their determination and maturity paid off.