Honiton II 0, Exmouth II 36 Honiton seconds saw their run without a win continue in this East Devon derby.

Playing down the slope in the first half, Honiton started brightly and looked the stronger team, with some good passages of play. However, in their first real attack the visitor’s showed good hands to cross out wide. For the rest of the half both teams had good possession, but the major difference between the teams was the Exmouth ten who, when instructed, duly slotted over four penalties to leave the half tine score 19-0.

The second half started with the Lacemen knowing that if they kept their discipline and structure than they would be in with a chance to close the gap. Again Honiton started brightly and for a sustained period of time pushed the cockles, but on several occasions came up just short. With ball in hand Exmouth still looked dangerous, and as the Lacemen started to tire the visitor’s ran in two further tries and slotted a penalty to complete the scoring.

In an entertaining game Honiton felt frustrated to not get on the scoreboard, but this was arguably their best performance of the season against a strong side in a game which also saw the welcome return of Andy Canniford and James Coutts-Tucker from long term injuries, the latter having a particularly strong game.

On Saturday Honiton II engage in a real ‘six-pointer’ against Brixham at Allhallows.