Exmouth 43 - 0 Honiton

Credit must be given to Honiton for turning out with a below strength team and their determination and tenacity meant Exmouth could not relax throughout - constantly trying to break through with the half back pairing of Luke Kenny and Phil Saunders showing up well.

For Exmouth it was great to see the return of John Parkin and Shaun Fayter and once again the turnout providing difficult selection decisions.

The Exmouth forwards maintained control throughout and following an early drive phase Ben Waistell was first to cross for a try line with Shaun Fayter successfully adding the conversion in blustery conditions.

Not wishing to be outdone the backs responded with a good handling movement from a scrum that saw Archie O'Connell score the first of two tries and with the aide of the cross bar Shaun had success from a difficult angle.

This saw the return of confidence and the game opened up but Honiton tackled furiously to hold the score.Archie's second try was straight off the training ground. A chip over the top by Joe Parkin saw him win the race to ground the ball, converted by Shaun but this time with the aide of the upright.

The forward pressure began to tell nearing half-time and from a penalty 5 yards out Joe Parkin showed his class with a quick tap and go while other stood watching him cross near the touchline. Shaun produced another incredible kick which again hit the cross bar but this time bounced out.

Half time saw Exmouth 31 points ahead following a jinking run by John Parkin, who could have scored himself, but unselfishly made sure passing to Darren Wood for an unconverted try.

Half-time saw a complete a major change around in the Exmouth side and with the continued determination of Honiton saw a much closer game develop. The enthusiasm from Honiton was infectious and showed their strength of character.

Kev Rodwell opened the scoring in the second half with an unconverted try following some solid forward play securing ball close to the line and then swift handling by the backs created the gap for Kev.

The game was played in an excellent spirit and reflects the camaraderie that has developed between these players over the passed few year's which provided the referee with few problems.

The final score came late on with a popular score by Chris Button. Chris is a forward work horse, always involved winning ball and is rarely on the score-sheet. This was a forwards try and following good pressure where Chris was able to cross for a deserved score, converted by Shaun Fayter, with the final score Exmouth 41 Honiton 0.

Although dry the blustery wind made ball handling and kicking a bit of a lottery. However the place kicking by Shaun Fayter was precision, using the "wood-work" effectively and among the backs Kev Rodwell and Darren Wood shone band the backs man of the match was Kev Rodwell.

The forward unit played as one and it was difficult to pick anyone that gave more than the others. Chris Button made another solid contribution and also saw Liam Millman make a break for the line from 40 yards out - only to be tackled on the 22. But the deserved forwards man of the match went to Tom "Bear" Roberts for the differing contributions he made in each half.

A much needed confidence boost as we approach the final games of this campaign, all of which are likely to be close, starting with a tricky visit to Saracens next Saturday.