Exmouth Under-15s, this season combining forces with Newton Abbot Under-15s, were 24-22 winners over Kingsbridge.

Despite heavy underfoot conditions, the match was an entertaining one and the Exmouth players in the combined side certainly played their part!

The win was certainly enjoyed by the Newton Abbot element of the side for they had never been on the winning side against Kingsbridge.

The combined team took an early lead thanks to a try by Benjamin Owens, converted by Nathan Jones.

This woke Kingsbridge up, who replied very quickly with an unconverted try and there began a period of end-to-end rugby as both sides gave their all in the mud with some hard-fought scrums and clear-outs.

As the mud became a bigger issue, just holding the ball, something akin to grabbing the soap in the bath, became more and more difficult!

At times the game resembled more of a football match as all players fought to open up play.

A great kick from Owen Shaw was followed by a superb tackle by him – this as teammates were looking for the ball in a sea of mud – and led to a Kenan Palmer try and another Jones conversion, and the Exmouth/Newton Abbot side trooped off with a 19-5 lead.

An early second-half Kingsbridge try reduced the arrears, but, following a line-out and a strong drive, Jones went over for another Exmouth try.

Back came Kingsbridge with their third try of the game and they set up a grandstand finish with a fourth try, this one converted, but the Exmouth defence was disciplined and they closed the game out well to seal a thrilling victory.