Argaum Triumph in Topsham

With the league wrapped up and the Lockie Cup final on the horizon, Dave Sansom would've been forgiven for resting half of his squad. But an flurry of injuries and unavailability forced Sansom's hand. Argaum named arguably their best XV and drew on some old boys to fill the bench.

Topsham started brightly and forced the scoreboard first with a well worked team try, clinically finished by their winger in the corner. Perhaps a bit weary from the coach journey, the Chiefs upped their efforts and it wasn't long before Jake Turfrey cut through the host's defence and snuck another two points after Topsham's players let him run under the posts after crossing out wide.

Ever opportunistic Ellery Jones, bagged soon after with a quick tap, which resulted in Jones dancing his way past Five defenders. Jones was a livewire throughout and was instrumental in giving Argaum the momentum. A mix of good pressure and good fortune made the third try, when the Topsham backs were forced into an error which Dave Hall exploited with aplomb.

The half ended with great open running throughout the team. Aaron Anderson-Smith found and extra gear and Mason Edwards proved to be a handful as always. Despite the open nature of the game, the bonus point was secured with a pushover from a maul, which Jamie Burton was the scorer. Richie Hewitt converted again in what was to prove a perfect day with the boot. His creativity with the ball in hand greater numerous opportunities in the first half which went begging.

It didn't take long to get on the score sheet in the 2nd period, when a break from Hewitt opened things up for Dan James who ran strongly from 30 yards brushing off would be tacklers.

The game migrated to a more forward orientated style. Dan Humphries scrummaged well, stealing two against the head. Injuries gave opportunity to the subs and when Pat Barker entered, the scrum remained strong.

Stuart Quarterman, fresh out of retirement was thrown on for the last 25 to allow skipper Edwards into finish the game at tight head.

The last few minutes were frantic, with Argaum on the front foot after Topsham had scored midway through the half. The Chiefs had a couple of good breaks, but the perseverance from the home side kept the league champions from adding to the score. In fact, it was Topsham who scored again at the death, after a great break from their own 22.

News that the Wanderers had also secured their place in the Ellis Cup Final buoyed the lads having conceded at the death. Word from the other side of Exeter was that the Drifters also managed to get a victory against Exeter Saracens IIIs