Exmouth survive penalty drama late on

EXMOUTH will be disappointed not to have won a game where they were dominant, especially in the second half, but will also feel fortunate to come away with a draw having conceded a penalty with the very last play of the game.

In a confrontational battle, Redingensians carried hard via captain Rob Stapley and kicked well for territory. Scrum-half Chico U'Chong was the beneficiary from a scrum where the ball spilled out, and he capitalised on the loose ball to see the Rams in front. Sam Guttridge converted for a 7-0 half-time lead.

The second half proved to be all Exmouth, who dominated territory and possession, but lacked a killer punch.

The Rams defended extremely well spreading the field to shut out the wide and expansive game of the Cockles, whose standards in wet and windy conditions should be applauded.

Centre Mark Wathes, who was introduced at half-time, was the man of the match for Exmouth and it was he who scored the try with two minutes left on the clock. Another replacement Richard Cadywould landed a conversion to draw level at 7-7.

With just the kick off to contend with, Exmouth were penalised for holding on and were pleased to see the resultant penalty from Sam Guttridge drift wide. It would have been extremely tough on the Cockles, who played all but two minutes of the second half inside the Rams' half.