Cockles look to end losing run in derby

RUGBY UNION

Exmouth go into Saturday’s Devon derby against Brixham on the Imperial Ground (2pm) aiming to reverse their losing run.

The Cockles lost 27-17 at Bracknell last time out, a particularly disappointing result after they had shot off into a 120 lead.

It was Exmouth’s third straight defeat after losses to Barnstaple (25-21) then Bournemouth (20-10) and leaves them seventh in the South West Premier table of 14.

Tom Whelan converted his own try and Nick Headley added a second on 26 minutes to put Exmouth ahead at Bracknell.

Bracknell were on level terms by half time and had gone into a 27-12 lead by the time Henry Goldson scored a late try for Exmouth.

Exmouth had three minutes to score again and earn two bonus points, but Bracknell held them out.

Exmouth are not losing heavily and skipper Jack Fahy thinks he knows the reasons why tight games are getting away from them.

“Our penalty count is too high and our patience needs to improve,” said Fahy.

“We have trained well this week and are looking forward to Saturday.”

Exmouth rested scrum-half Lloyd Watkins against Bracknell but are likely to bring him back into the squad against Brixham.

head into the Devon derby clash against visiting Barnstaple on the up at last after bagging a muchneeded 38-3 victory away to Old Patesians.

The All Whites had gone nine games in the South West Premier Division without a win since beating Bracknell back on day one and were one off the bottom of the table.

The only team below Newton Abbot was Old Patesians and, in a division with three relegation spots, that is not a good place to be approaching the halfway stage.

Victory moved Newton Abbot up to third from bottom and ahead of Drybrook.

There is still a long way to go to reach safety – making up the four-point gap on Cleve is the first priority – but Newton Abbot player-coach Matt Jess feels the team is moving in the right direction.

“The players understand the situation we are in and that was reflected in their reaction immediately after the game,” said Jess.

“There was no whooping and yelling out on the pitch – in fact we were a bit flat and quite sombre for a while.

“We have started to turn the corner and I think everyone realises how much more we have to do. What we need now is at least one or two more wins before Christmas.”