A late call on Friday night from the opposition saw Honiton 2nd XV’s intended league fixture against Kingsbridge called off, writes Tom Churchward.

The reason was the hosts inability to raise a side and to the points were banked by Honiton who then played a hastily-arranged friendly with Exmouth. Honiton travelled with a good squad but were faced with a squad of 25, showing Exmouth have good numbers this year.

Honiton started well and, after the ball was retained by the forwards, the backs showed good hands to allow fullback Phillip Cooke to run in for the games first try. It was also a personal achievement for Cooke who was making a very welcome to the action after a serious injury two years ago. Luke Kenny converted the try to increase the early advantage.

Exmouth bounced back strongly but in their willingness to score a rash pass was thrown which was intercepted by a grateful Dan Garman who had the gas to run the full length of the pitch to score. Again Luke Kenny converted. Despite these two scores the first half was a pretty even affair with Honiton having the edge at the set plays and Exmouth the stronger in the breakdown area. This factor told when they replied with two quick tries and with one conversion missed with half-time arriving and Honiton holding a slender 14-12 lead.

Exmouth started the second period well and took the lead in the match when their backs found some space out wide to crash in. This was followed by a further try, and with both being converted, Exmouth cruised to a 26-14 lead. To turn the screw they then knocked over a penalty. Honiton tried to stem the flow and a good solid rolling maul by the forwards saw young Matt Bailey touch down for his maiden senior try. Exmouth though had the last word and scored again to run out comfortable 36-19 winners.

With the worrying fact that the first league game of the season was cancelled, it was good to actually have a run out and there were many positives to be taken.

Several new faces fitted in well and the scrums and line-outs were very good. Fitness needs to improve to allow us to get to the breakdown quicker, but things look health after this performance against a strong Exmouth team. Man of the match went to Luke Kenny who was a great addition to the side. On Saturday the side travel to Exeter Saracens for a league engagement.