Thomas warns players after Exmouth loss

»»BRIXHAM coach Adam Thomas has warned his first-team squad they cannot afford too many more defeats like the 45-22 beating handed to them by Exmouth.

The Fishermen have now lost two on the trot in South West One and are lagging 11 points behind leaders Chew Valley, who are one of the two teams they have beaten this term.

Exmouth went 24-0 up in the first 13 minutes on the Imperial Ground; had the four-try bonus point pocketed midway through the half and were never going to lose after turning round 31-10 up.

Although Brixham improved in the second half, the game was never there to be salvaged.

Thomas said there is no lack of ability in the squad, but something is missing when it comes to game management and execution.

“I cannot dress it up in any way: we were lacklustre and that has to change quickly,” said Thomas, whose team are only seven points clear of the bottom two.

“If we don’t turn it round soon we are going to end up playing rugby in an unenjoyable place.

“We have got it in us to play good rugby but, just like the Devonport Services game two weeks ago (L 39-22) we were not at the races in the first half.

“It seems our work ethic has fizzled out and we need to get that back… fast!”

Thomas said a recurring problem against Exmouth was a high penalty count that, at times, allowed the Cockles to turn defence into attack.

“I will give you an example of the damage that can be done by giving away a stupid penalty,” said Thomas.

“We are in Exmouth’s 22, we have the ball in hand and have a two-man overlap,” said Thomas. I cannot say we are definitely going to score, but we are in a good

“One of our players starts back chatting the referee for not giving a decision our way at the last breakdown. Remember, we have the ball and a two-man overlap…

“Referee blows his whistle and penalises us – rightly so – and we get a yellow card and are down to 14 men. Exmouth clear the pressure, set-up an attack in our 22 and in no time at all we are behind our posts waiting for them to convert the try they have just scored. Frustrating.”

Thomas said a half-time pep-talk did rouse the team t better things, but he added: “It was took little and too late by that stage.”

Thomas picked out Ricky Workman and Bobby Wiggington as examples of players whose attitude shone for the full 80 minutes.

Brad Skinner put Exmouth on the board after two minutes and by half time Jake Inglis and James Clarke (two) had followed suit. Gareth Roebuck kicked two conversions and two penalties.

Jack Madge and Inglis were Exmouth’s second-half try scores. Roebuck converted both.

Jordan Watson, Wiggington, Harry Rodwell and Joel Ashworth scored Brixham’s tries.

Player-coach Ryan Wotton landed two penalties in the final two minutes to help New Cross to a 26-22 away win over Cullompton second XV in Devon Two.

Cully, well-drilled and with a sprinkling of forwards with firstteam experience, shot into a 7-0 lead. New Cross came back with a Luke Williams try, but by half time Cully were 12-5 up.

New Cross got into their stride after the break and scored a pushover try by Nick Halse and one mauled in for Julian Hull. New South African full-back Angus Beukes scored a superb solo try from halfway for a 20-15 lead.

Wotton took over kicking duties to boot New Cross a point up and his second penalty sealed it.

Flank-forward Shaun Bayliss got the man-of-the-match award from Wotton for his energy and work rate.

New Cross are at home to Newton Abbot Spartans this Saturday.

Paignton went down 31-26 away to Penryn in a Western Counties nail-gnawer. The Cherries were 21-14 up at half time – Henry Hoare (two) and kicker Brad McKee the try scorers – and stayed in front until the final 10 minutes thanks to a Tom Osborne try. The Borough pinched the win in the final 10 minutes to leave Paignton with the consolation prize of two bonus points to bring back.