Hardly a Christmas Cracker, Exmouth secured the away win 21-22, with a late penalty that would break Okehampton hearts.

Okey had started like a bullet scoring within two minutes. They had the run of the game and showed why they have improved from the first outing in September.

On 12 minutes, Exmouth skipper Dave Bargent split the Okey defence just inside his own half and outpaced everyone to score a try in the corner. Added to an earlier penalty from Gareth Roebuck, the Cockles led 7-8 until 20 minutes into the game. Okehampton hit back with a try and then later penalty close to half time, 15-8 at the break.

A rusty first 40 minutes, the travelling support were waiting for a response. Roebuck traded penalty shots with Luke Simmons, pushing the score to 21-14. The Cockles still trailed with 10 minutes to go. After a series of forward drives, Bargent scored his second with the conversion hitting the upright, 21-19.

Exmouth secured the ball from kick off and grabbed territory deep into the hosts half. A well taken Roebuck penalty kick, nudged Exmouth in front, 21-22. Delight for the travelling support turned to frustration when the home side were awarded a kickable penalty deep into the end of the game. The kick missed, still time for a restart, the ball regathered, Exmouth booted the ball in to touch to secure the unlikely win.

Team. Tommy Andrews, Jack Madge, Brad Skinner, Jack Fahy, Steve Pape, Oli Mason, Tom Mustoe, Dave Bargent, Matt Ryan, George Meadows, Jake Inglis, Oli Cave, Nick Headley, Lewis Geran, Gareth Roebuck. Ollie Turner, Lee Loveridge, Ben Mellor.

Exmouth Quins secured their bonus point victory at home, North Tawton RFC 1st Team provided stiff opposition, the Cockles scoring four tries for a 28-20 win. Quins debuts for Alex Kern and homegrown youngster and current Colt Charlie Tate, who was awarded Man of the Match. A fine club double secured on the last League Saturday of 2023. League rugby returns on Saturday, January 6.

Exmouth RFC have their annual Boxing Day Feast of Rugby coming up, the Cockles Club XV v Legends XV, kick off at 11.02 am. The bar will be open, with a chance to show off your Christmas presents.