Honiton travelled to Plymouth to play Argaum, winning a thrilling game 20-19 in conditions that could be described as wet and misty, writes Justin Nuttall.

The home side had the early advantage in possession and territory but it was Honiton who opened the scoring. After clearing their half, the Ton moved the ball down the field and after several phases, Ben Kidson scored wide left. The conversion was missed 5-0.

Argaum stuck to a forward-oriented game plan in the heavy conditions and after multiple pick and drives, they finally got a try. It was converted and Plymouth took the lead, 7-5

The advantage for the home side didn’t last long and Honiton moved down field and pushed the home side pack backwards in the scrum. Two phases later, Rob Price barged over in typical fashion. Try converted by Johnny House, 12-7.

Ill discipline from Honiton was punished with a second try from the home side, the conversion fell short, 12-12. The second half started well for Honiton and they enjoyed good territory and possession but couldn’t turn this in to points.

Honiton were awarded a scrum in the Argaum twenty two and from set-piece play, Ollie Rice forced his way over wide right. The conversion fell short and the away side held a 12-17 lead. Argaum didn’t take long to respond with a converted try scored by their number eight under the posts, 19-17

Honiton had the home side pinned in their twenty two and after several pick and drives were awarded a penalty in front of the posts, Johnny House obliged and Honiton took the lead 19-20.

In a tense last five minutes, Honiton showed strong defence and held on for a deserved win in atrocious conditions.

There was a superb East Devon derby down the road at Withycombe, where Exmouth Quins prevailed with a dominant 27-5 victory at Raleigh Park.

The Quins were all-powerful in the early stages, racing into a 15-0 lead by half-time and this was extended to 27-0. A straight red card for the Quins gave Withycombe a brief lift and they did get on the score sheet with a consolation try.

Local rugby now enters the final two months of the season and a thrilling climax is guaranteed.