Exmouth 10 - 24 Torquay

It was a great opportunity for Exmouth to put into practice the drills they have been working on in this friendly against a Torquay side with powerful forwards.

After a shaky opening Exmouth were first on the score sheet with Adam Morris converting a penalty, but this was soon cancelled out as Torquay pressure resulted in a penalty which they converted.

At no time were the Exmouth team under any great pressure and held their own in all key set phases of a very open game.

The risk for both sides was who would be best to capitalise on the few try scoring opportunities such a tough forward battle would provide.

Once again the Exmouth defence was almost unbreakable but work is still required to tidy up lose ball. Torquay were more aware and took their chances well while Exmouth on occasions seemed to get pickled in mid field.

During the first half Torquay forwards dominated the lose play while Exmouth controlled the line-outs with honours even in the scrums. A resolute Exmouth side covered well and turned around just one converted try behind at 3-10.

Once again Exmouth played a much stronger second half growing in stature and spent most of their time camped in the Torquay half.

Unfortunately this period of immense Exmouth pressure went unrewarded and Torquay broke away to score a converted try.

Exmouth showed both their fitness and resilience and once again pressurised the Torquay line and clearing kick was charged down by John Parkin who also won the chase down to score under the posts.
Adam Morris converted to provide an exciting last quarter - with the score at 10-17.

With a growing confidence Exmouth started to chase the game and again pressurised the Torquay line. Unfortunately this pressure went unrewarded and Torquay took advantage to break through for a final converted try that put the game out of Exmouth's reach.

Chris Button was a very solid influence in the pack and deservedly man of the match. It was a close call with so many others showing on the day. Another tireless performance from Luke Pearcey reflected well on a young but fast developing forward unit.

amongst the back line John Parkin, at scrum half, took the honours pressurising his opposite number into mistakes. Terry Mears and Shaun Fayter showed their flare in both attack and defence and must be pleased with their games.

The final score was a victory for Torquay 10-24 and Exmouth must learn to convert their chances into points. Too often they get pickled in the final phases near their opponents line and then have to chase the game. They must learn to take their chances, vary their line of attack to convert good pressure and position into points.

Another exciting game played in the best spirit causing little difficulty for referee Dave Crawford who help to keep the game flowing.