Exmouth Colts vs. Topsham - 29th October 2011

Topsham Colts played away at Exmouth on 29th October.

Unfortunately Exmouth only had 14 players and were not able to field a trained front row. Under the rules of the League this meant uncontested scrums, 14 a-side with Topsham awarded a 7 – 0 victory. Nevertheless the game went ahead as a friendly and Topsham took the opportunity to rest a number of players and try out new combinations.

The game was evenly contested throughout. Exmouth were first to score against a strong wind. Topsham’s usual fluency was nowhere to be seen, possibly because of having made so many changes but equally because of Exmouth’s excellent tackling giving Topsham little time on the ball. A very nasty injury to Topsham winger, Tom White halted the game for 15 minutes. Topsham eventually scored just before half time making it 7 – 5 to Exmouth at the break with Topsham failing to make any use of the wind advantage.

Topsham made a number of substitutions at half time and scored to take the lead 7 – 10. Exmouth responded with a brace of unconverted tries in between which Topsham scored only one giving Exmouth victory 17 – 15.

Overall Exmouth looked more eager for the victory and certainly tackled with good aggression. Topsham looked disjointed and, in the first half at least, not as focussed as Exmouth.

Man of the Match – Shimi Willson