A warm welcome is extended to our visitors today, Exmouth RFC, who have made the journey to Everest Road from East Devon.
Founded in 1873 Exmouth RFC run 18 teams, from under 6's to veterans, and like Old Pats are very much a community based club with strong roots in the best traditions of rugby football. They currently lie in the bottom half of National League 3 South West with their only win of the season coming on the opening day against Coney Hill ( 39 - 22 ).
There have however been narrow defeats to Weston-Super-Mare ( 29 - 30 ) and Newton Abbot ( 15 - 19 ), the latter in their league game last week. A close game can therefore be anticipated today. Following a start/stop performance in defeating Cleve 25 - 19 Old Pats travelled to local rivals Coney Hill last weekend. All the hard work by the players and coaches came together with an exciting display against a determined Coney Hill team who put up stiff resistance and always carried a threat with their backs.
Old Pats produced their best performance of the season with an excellent team effort and some outstanding tries. None was better that that by James Pettigrew at a crucial time just after half time when he took and excellent line and, Guscott like, touched down under the posts. A further highlight was an outstanding piece of individual skill by Steve Bryant which allowed Matt Dean to score. Adam Seager, Chris Mellon and Barney Pascall also crossed the try line whilst Adam added 3 conversions and a penalty.
Chris Mellon's impressive return to 1st team action has been rewarded with 4 tries this season, closely followed by Matt Dean and Barney Pascall with 3 each. Adam Seager has already contributed 37 points from his reliable right foot in only 4 games. On the injury front the news concerning James King is much better and it is hoped he will be back in 1st Xv action in January. A real club man James was on the touchline last week encouraging and offering guidance to his team mates.
A big thank you to our Match Sponsors, the County Partnership, and especially partner Henry Hodgkins is loyal Old Pats fan. Long established and well respected Independent and Personal and Corporate Financial Planers why not contact the County Partnership and support those who support OPRFC and contact details can be found in their advertisement elsewhere in the programme.
We hope the County Partnership and their guests have a great day and an Old Pats win!
Michael Angell Chairman - OPRFC
