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Latest Match Reports

Strength and Pressure (07/04/08)

Sidmouth 5 Newton Abbott 27
Sidmouth started the stronger side in this friendly match and dominated the first half. Dan Colson opened the scoring after 5 minutes with a powerful run through the opposing defence following some nifty footwork by Matt Goss. Newton Abbott piled on the pressure but were unable to get out of their half of the pitch as the Sidmouth pack kept hold of the ball. James Stokes, Sam Tollerfield and Ryan Davies being particularly strong at holding on to the ball. Matt Berry and Will Gator had excellent games with sturdy tackling. However, just before half time Newton Abbott broke into the Sidmouth half and scored a breakaway try to go 7-5 up.
Newton Abbott came out in the second half with the luxury of replacements and these fresh legs proved to be the downfall for Sidmouth. An early try for them and a few injuries to key players took their toll. Sidmouth sustained pressure for a further 20 minutes before finally Newton Abbott’s strong pack took control and ran in 3 more tries.
This was a physical match and both side played some really good rugby. Man of the match was tom Smith for his continual dogged efforts at breaking through the defence. With the season nearly over the side should take stock of what they have accomplished this season and how far they have improved. Next year it’s up to the colts and the players are ready for the test.
Players – Sam Jenkins, Ross Skinner, James Stokes, Tom Smith, Matt Berry, Ryan Davies, Will Gater, Sam Tollerfierld, Tom Harris, Mike Boraston, Ben Salter, Rob Cole, Dan Colson, Craig trice, Matt Goss – Coaches Harry (I’ll be on time) Chesterton and Andy Boraston

Marc Colson (Report ID No. 170)

Under 13s make Devon Final (31/03/08)

© Sidmouth RFCDevon Cup Semi Final
Sidmouth U13’s 27 Barnstaple 5




Sidmouth’s ground staff (Henri and a bucket) pulled out all the stops to play this crucial, previously delayed, cup semi final against Barnstaple, this Sunday. Sidmouth, having lost earlier in the season to Barum, were determined to set the record book straight. Barnstaple, a well coached side with talented backs, arrived early and looked extremely confident in their new kit. Conditions were perfect, apart from underfoot, which could only be described as squishy! Sidmouth kicked off in front of a large local crowd, and were worryingly sluggish, until Prop Johnny Youngman seized his moment. A fantastic interception at the front of a line out, with a strong drive, saw Sidmouth advance rapidly into the opposition 22. Quick hands in the backs, then allowed left wing, Alex Dunn to leave his winger for dead to score in the corner. Sidmouth’s forwards soon relaxed into their roles and started to work their drills. Suddenly, Sidmouth’s backs, at full strength for the first time this year, began to see a lot of the ball. This gave Sidmouth’s right winger, Oli Tollerfield the opportunity to also show his considerable speed, to round his wing to double the score. Sidmouth now had total dominance in the forwards and superior speed in all departments in the backs. Inevitably, Alex Dunn added another try just before half time. Sidmouth historically restart sluggishly, and annoyingly conceded a sloppy try, giving Barnstaple a glimmer of hope, but that was all it was. Once Sidmouth started to concentrate, Barnstaple never looked like scoring. Highlight of the second half, was a wonderful run out of his 22 by centre Olly Blyth, outpacing the Barnstaple speed merchants, and deftly popping the ball up to Oli Tollerfield to go in flamboyantly under the posts. Alex Dunn capped an awesome display of sprint running by getting his hat trick near the end. The ease of Sidmouth’s win would not have been possible without the superb display by Sidmouth’s forwards, who ran themselves into the ground. Second row Gavin Pearson was immaculate in the line out and frightening in the loose. Flanker Bryn Henrickson had his best game of the season, he literally covered every blade of grass and was a nuisance all day. Connor Male had a terrific tussle with his opposing hooker, eventually taking three against the head. Fly Half Isaac Radford also kicked beautifully out of hand and added a conversion in tricky mud.
Sidmouth now face the exciting prospect of playing Devonport Services in the final at Plymouth Albion’s ground on April the 13th. Charabanc’s to be arranged.

Don Blyth (uploaded cd) (Report ID No. 169)

Sidmouth Dominate Upfront (24/03/08)

© Sidmouth RFC

SIDMOUTH RFC U12s 63 vs 19 MELTON MOBRAY


This was one the best performances of the season and was a great opportunity for the U12s to test their ability and skills against touring opposition who looked formidable but could not match Sidmouth for speed, handling and game-play. It was however no walk-over and Melton had some strong and committed players who, given the chance, could easily have dominated the game. Sidmouth defended well and produced some excellent rucking which in turned allowed the Sidmouth backs space and options. This was a feature of the game and one which the boys should learn from – each time they produced quick ball, and resisted the temptation to maul, then Sidmouth were off and running. The finishing was excellent and complemented some strong scrummaging which has set a high standard for the rest of the season. There were noteworthy performances all-round but the two stand-out players were Xenon Kearns and Barney Cooper. The scorers were Faulkner, Carlisle, Headon, Cooper and Gallantree and the squad was completed by Downs, Welsford, Rutland, Seldon, Perchard-Richards, Pares, East, Jenkins, Harris, Goddard, Dicks, Norris and Malec.

Danny Goddard 9 uploaded cd) (Report ID No. 168)

Strength In Numbers (24/02/08)

Sidmouth 0 Tiverton 24

A good crowd gathered on Sunday at Sidford to watch an entertaining game. Sidmouth started the game well but conceded an early try from a loose ball and against the run of play. A charge down and break by Dan Colson nearly evened the score but the referee disallowed a try as it was deemed to be a second movement following a great tackle from the Tiverton full back. Tiverton went up a gear and put in a couple more tries before the close of the half. In the second half Sidmouth’s forwards started to take more control of the game with some superb rucking and scrums. Hooker and Sidmouth’s Man of the Match Ross Skinner played particularly well and took several scrums against the head. Some good kicking and ‘up and unders’ from Ben Salter allowed Ryan Davies a few runs with the ball but the Tivvy defence proved too strong. Ben Rix however did go over for a try which the referee thought was held up despite the protestations from the touchline and it was disallowed. Sam Tollerfield, Henry Griffiths and Tom Smith also deserve a mention for their driving rucks and Ed Hewlett for his consistent determination. The forwards have been working hard in training to get the play quicker and in numbers and this has paid off with big drives and stronger defending resulting in only one try being conceded in the half. All in all this was a good game of rugby and the side needs to reflect on how much they have improved this season and to encourage and support each other.

Marc Colson (Report ID No. 167)

More Fire in their Bellies needed! (03/02/08)

Sidmouth had 8 players missing from its squad but were fortunate to have some under 15 players on hand and you would certainly not have noticed the years difference. The players contributed well and with great spirit. It wasn’t enough to lift Sidmouth who lacked their usual aggression.
Tiverton started the stronger and were quicker to the ball. Sidmouth’s forwards just off the pace allowing Tiverton to score some easy tries. However the second half Sidmouth regained some fire in their bellies and the forwards started to dominate in the rucks. It was too late to make a difference to the final result and Man of the Match Sam Tollerfield’s scored a well deserved try. Dan Colson and Ben Salter were linking well in the backs and winger Alex ‘Dobby’ Dobson had a great game with strong tackles and good kicks. James Stokes, Rob Jackson and Ed Hewlett used their strength to great effect with some controlled drives with Matt Berry, Lewis Tollerield and Tom Smith picking up loose ball wherever they could. With some key players missing it was always going to be tough but everyone dug in well to the bitter end.

Marc Colson (Report ID No. 166)

Solid Performance results in Victory (22/01/08)

Exeter Saracens 0 Sidmouth 24
It was only a matter of time, as predicted, before the team work and training paid off. Sidmouth demonstrated a gritty determination to win having lost to the Saracen’s earlier in the season. Sam Tollerfield opened the scoring with the support of his strong and steadfast pack to see him over the try line against a very strong defence. It has to be said that the move for this started with Fly half Mike Boraston taking the ball into a ruck close to the line and it was the support from the pack that made this try possible. Ben Salter safely converted. With Sidmouth in unfamiliar territory i.e. leading the team talk was all important. Some fantastic forward play ensued. Dan Barnes as hooker certainly made a difference in the front row and in the line outs. Harry Tincknell and Ryan Davies were as ever effective getting tackles in early from the scrums.
Dan Colson went off injured during the first half and substitutes from the under 15’s came on. Josh Reed, Lewis Tollerfield and Jonny Hamlin arriving to help out as we only had 14 arrive to the match.
Coach Harry Chesterton said little as the team talked themselves up for the second half. Saracen’s came out fighting piling on wave after wave of pressure but Ryan Davies found a gap and ran from inside his 22 metre line to score a superb try underneath the posts. Ben was unlucky with the kick but now Sidmouth believed they could win! Minutes later the forwards who worked incredibly hard saw Man of the Match No. 8 Rob Jackson charge forward and over for his first try of the season. This was converted and a minute before the end Rob Jackson was running up the wing in open space. His face contorted with determination and fear he managed to get the ball to Sam Tollerfield who used his last ounce of effort to score.
The Saracen’s pack were stronger winning the pushes at most scrums but not necessarily the ball! Tom Smith and Matt Berry are proving formidable in back row positions. Prop James Stokes also had an excellent game using his power to shrug off tackles and gain ground. Craig trice worked well in the backs and his positional play on field is improving all the time linking in with Rob Cole who always enjoys blistering and often brave runs down the wing.
This match was all about effort, fierce open play, strong tackling and taking their chances. The fitness finally saw off the Saracen’s who were stunned by the defeat. Well done lads!

Marc Colson (Report ID No. 165)

Physical to the end! (27/11/07)

Newton Abbott 20 Sidmouth 15
This week’s friendly fixture bore witness to an outstanding performance from the entire squad. Newton Abbott are a tough, physical side but were equally matched in every department and the final score does not do the team justice.
Sidmouth were slow to start and an early try against the run of play came as a bit of a shock. Once again our forwards led by Number 8 Ben Rix started to dominate the play winning scrums and line outs well. The backs were handling the ball with pace and the team relaxed enough to try out some new ideas which paid off. Defensively the tackling was awesome - (if a bit late on occasion Dan Colson). Newton Abbott managed to break free on the wing to score a second before half time making it 10-0. The opposition seemed surprised at having to fight so hard to keep the ball and they were obviously frustrated at the determination and strength of the Sidmouth side. It was a welcome return following injury for James stokes who a had a great game in the second row before straining a leg muscle and giving way to Jake Brown who’s tackling is improving. Rob Jackson, Ross Skinner and Ed Hewlett were a very effective front row and are doing their job well in the scrims and in the rucks.

The second half did not see a dispirited Sidmouth especially as the opposition brought on 7 pairs of fresh legs! No doubt a reflection on the pressure that Sidmouth were demonstrating against a frustrated Newton Abbott. A well worked move from the backs feeding the back row resulted in Harry Tinknell scoring the first try. Newton Abbott replied with their third before Ryan Davies sprinted up the wing from half way throwing off two tackles to score. Sidmouth then equalised with the determined pack driving forwards before and Sam Tollerfield broke free to go over. The final try by their winger was without doubt a travesty following an obvious forward pass which the ref claimed not to see. Ben Salter, Tom Smith and Rob Cole were brilliant in their tackling - as usual and Craig Trice caught the up and unders well. Mike Boraston had a great game as fly half and with his confidence growing kicked a lovely grubber for Rob Cole to get on the end of. Well done too to Scrum half tom Harris who avoided the foot tapping form the opposition with great athleticism.

Sidmouth stuck in until the final whistle having played with heart, passion and good spirit. Fantastic rugby lads.

Marc Colson (Report ID No. 164)

All that’s missing is the belief to win! (19/11/07)


Chard 8 Sidmouth 7
November 18th 2007

It was a strong and yet unconfident side that took to the cold and waterlogged pitch. But within minutes of the start the Sidmouth forwards were showing that all they had learned in training was paying off and suddenly the match was there for the taking. Some excellent driving and attacking play meant that Sidmouth were Chards half for most of the game. Sam Tollerfield's usual 'bullish' like driving saw him
over the line for a certain try but unfortunately the referee was poorly positioned and decided on a 5 metre scrum. Chard won the scrum and fed it back to their fly half who's kick was charged down by the quick thinking Rob Cole. However the loose ball was deemed to go out for a 22 metre kick. And that’s the way the match went. Despite all the hard work Sidmouth were thwarted with bad luck. The side were
bitterly disappointed and just before half time as Sidmouth’s oncentration waned and frustration was taking hold so Chard apitalised with a lucky break up the wing to go over for an unconverted try completely against the run of play.

The second half saw Chard take a bit more control in the scrum but again the forwards dug in deep and attacked and defended well. With poor conditions the sides were struggling to pass and hold the ball in the backs who's tackling was again outstanding. Chard were awarded a penalty for offside which was sent over the bar for another 3 points. Coach Channing decided to give some of the players a change of position to get them involved and Craig Trice took his turn at Fly half and was rewarded with a try that was ably converted by Ben Salter under pressure. With only minutes to go Sidmouth were fired up once more and despite good possession could not score the winner.

Man of the match was awarded to Ed Hewlett for his dominance in the pack and the team should be very proud of themselves for some great rugby. It's now all about the belief, quicker ball and the teamwork. The fitness and hard work in training is paying off.

The squad were; Sam Jenkins, Ross Skinner, Ed Hewlett, Tom Smith, Matt Berry, Ryan Davies, Sam Tollerfield, Ben Rix, Tom Harris, Mike Boraston, Ben Salter, Dan Colson, Jake Brown, Craig Trice, Rob Cole, Rob Jackson.

Marc Colson (Report ID No. 163)

Dogged and gritty to the end (05/11/07)

It was not Sidmouth’s day in this fixture in terms of the result but it was a day of some awesome rugby from both sides. From the start a much improved Sidmouth pack began with some excellent work and looked to dominate. The scrums were fought evenly but Exmouth dominated in the line outs and won all the loose ball. It was 10 minutes before half time when Exmouth went over the line despite Sidmouth’s forwards being dogged in their defence. Rob Jackson, Ben Rix and Sam Tollerfield were notable for their persistent driving and both Ryan Davies and Matt Berry used their strength well to hold off the short drives. There were excellent tackles from everyone on the field and Tom smith showed great determination in chasing everything down. Sam Jenkins was outstanding as prop and hooker Ross Skinner was as mischievous as ever. Both hookers were in conversation throughout the game - not always exchanging pleasantries and both were warned about their gamesmanship.

Tom Harris and Mike Boraston linked well but the backs really needed to move the ball quicker as Exmouth were up on them with speed throughout the game. It was on the blind side that Sidmouth were showing more promise and Man of the Match Rob Cole was incessant in his attacks up the wing supported well by Matt Goss whose pace and agility is outstanding on the ball. The forwards driving was gritty in the second half but the pack needed to be closer to the man with the ball on occasions and consequently the ball was turned over too often. The game was sealed 5 minutes before the final whistle and Sidmouth knew that they had had their chances but had failed to capitalise. Although the backs had not seen much ball the defending was awesome. Dan Colson, and Ben Salter were quick to tackle and Jake Brown's confidence grew as the match went on. It was an entertaining game and the training and teamwork is really paying off. The result did not go in our favour but the first league win is just around the corner.

Marc Colson (Report ID No. 162)

Normal Order Restored (15/10/07)

Sidmouth Rugby Under 15

14.10.07



Normal Order Restored




Plymouth Argaum 0 Sidmouth 31





Due to several injuries a depleted Sidmouth squad took to the field against a larger looking Plymouth side. Eager to emulate the opening of the England semi-final match against France, it took less than a minute for Alex Dobson to open the scoring with a well worked try following a penalty on the Plymouth 5metre line.

Plymouth battled well but were unable to control the power and determination of the Sidmouth team. Good team work led to further tries from Hugo Gosden, Robbie Ross and Charlie Davies. Further entertainment was provided by the home side physio coming onto the field with surprising frequency for both home and visiting players. The blonde hair and popular pink wellington boots seemed to be called onto the pitch with increasing regularity as the match progressed. Sidmouth finished as they started with some skilful handling from Johnny Hamill and another try from Alex Dobson. Once he received the ball 40 metres out on the wing, he gave a display of such speed and balance that it seemed to leave the home side in a different time zone and there was never any doubt that a try would result. Solid play and commitment from the whole team, especially newcomers Sam Brandon and Matt Turner, boosted the morale: very welcome prior to some tough matches coming up over the next few weeks.

Team:

Sam Brandon, Bobby Taylor-Crofts, Anthony Martin, Matt Turner, Peter Nielson, Lewis Brown, Charlie Davies, Johnny Hamill, Jake Sawyer, Alex Dobson, Lewis Tollerfield, Hugo Gosden, Barnaby Goss, Robbie Ross

Graham Davies (uploaded cd) (Report ID No. 160)

Powell gets quickest try in u11s history (15/10/07)

14.10.07 – Sidmouth RFC U11s v Crediton



Game 1 Sidmouth 56 Crediton nil

Inspired by the events of the previous night in Paris Sidmouth start the game at a tremendous pace and before Crediton could get there hands on the ball – just like the French, Dan Powell scythed through the defence to score in the 81st second, the quickest try in u11s history.

Numerous drives by forwards Conor Fry and Callum Archibold gave the backs a great platform to run at Crediton. Sidmouth really did nothing wrong in this game and every time they passed the ball they scored resulting in an emphatic win.

Scorers: Dan Powell 4 tries, 4 conversions: Domonic Bess 2 tries, 2 conversions: Henry Gater 1 try: Arthur Banks 1 try.



Game 2 Sidmouth nil Crediton 43

Crediton definitely saved their best till last and Sidmouth were on the back foot right from the start however a half time score of 12 to 0 meant the game was not out of Sidmouth`s reach and without Sam Turner making countless tackles in the midfield it could have been a lot worse.

This week saw the introduction of kicking and despite Harrison Astley Jones making some great defensive clearances from full back it is an area that will need some work if Sidmouth continue to use this as part of their game.

Overall it was a good team performance from Sidmouth but slightly out run by Crediton`s A team

Stewart Vincent (uploaded cd) (Report ID No. 161)

Strength in Depth Key to Success (09/10/07)

Sidmouth Rugby Football Club under 10’s match report Sunday 7th October


Sidmouth U10s 35
Honiton U10s 15

A much-weakened Sidmouth side took to the field for the first match with bugs and injuries taking their toll even during the warm up. However, such is the strength in depth that Sidmouth got off to a flying start with a make shift pack of Billy Collin Lucan Horsnell and Oliver Aplin holding their own in Scrum and Line Out and completely dominating the loose. The backs had plenty of ball to run and did so to great effect with Sidmouth taking a 3 try to nil lead (Sam Cavin 2 Tries and Charlie Norris 1)

The Honiton team were no walk-over and soon rattled in 2 tries of their own via their scrum half who, when through the first line of defence, proved almost impossible to stop.

Sidmouth then stepped up a gear and Sam Cavin, who picked great running lines, rattled in another 3 tries and Charlie Norris got his second. This was by no means a one or two man show with the whole of the fit squad members taking part. With too many note able performances to list here it is obvious that first team competition will be fierce.

Honiton never gave up competing right to the end and deservedly scored a consolation try in the last minute with another brilliant break by their scrum half.

Special mention should go to Henry Thomas who played extremely well before a knee injury forced him from the field and Billy Collin who was Captain for the day and named man of the match by the Head Coach.

We are home to Crediton on Sunday meet at 10.00am. Please check the Website to see which pitch we are on.



Roger Aplin



Roger Aplin (uploaded cd) (Report ID No. 159)

Under 11s come out on top in local derby (09/10/07)

U11’s Match Report Sunday 07/10/07 Sidmouth V Honiton

Sidmouth – 19 Honiton - 7

Sidmouth got off to a great start in their first home game of the season against Honiton at Blackmore. Sid’s kept Honiton on the ropes from the beginning, winning many drive over’s and holding possession. Dominic Bess drew first blood taking a running pass, and forcing through to score in the corner, plus he scored two more points with a conversion. Honiton came back with determination, though a well drilled & structured Sid once again turned the tables, pushing the visitors back and allowing Dan Powell to drive over the line in a team lead attack. Bess once again found the posts to successfully convert for 2 extra points, before the half time whistle.
As play restarted a shuffled Sidmouth squad were caught unawares as a long Honiton kick forced the home side into their try line, letting the visitors have five easy points, plus two more with the conversion. Though Sid’s soon bounced back, with Rabbie Hansford making a break only to be stopped five yards out. Lewis Horne took command, with the squad behind him he punched his way through the Honiton defence for five points only due to a missed conversion. With Sidmouth on a high play restarted seeing Connor Fry & Wes Keywood take on Honiton by themselves driving the visitors back many yards, as Honiton took back possession they punished Sidmouth forcing them back to their line. Quick thinking from Sidmouth’s Harrison Ashley-Jones saw the ball played dead after a lucky release. A five yard scrum saw the ball passed to William Amos who made excellent ground running half the pitch before being stopped before the final whistle. Notable play also came from Sam Turner, Callum Archibald, Archie Gebbie & Malachi Rayner-Phillipson.



Richard Horne





Richard Horne (uploaded cd) (Report ID No. 158)

Team Work and Training Pays Dividends (07/10/07)

Sidmouth 34 Cullompton 0

Fifteen Sidmouth players entered the arena to take on the might of Cullompton. Fifteen players playing as one. Fifteen players all giving 100%. Fifteen players victorious! That’s how the game was summed up by coach Glenn Channing. “I can’t pick out a single person for man of the match”.

It certainly was an impressive display of Rugby from both sides. From the first whistle the Sidmouth forwards dominated. The game was in Cully’s half for most of the match as we piled on more and more pressure. The pack won nearly all of the scrums turning over all but 4 in the entire game and Tom Harris had an outstanding game as scrum half feeding the backs with some accurate passes. The first try was awarded to Harry Tincknell 15 minutes into the game who powered over the line near the posts allowing Ben Salter to convert. The score remained at 7-0 up at half time although Sidmouth were unlucky not to have scored from a cross kick which was deemed to have been knocked on just before winger Matt Goss grounded it. Matt Berry also had a chance on the other wing but a fumble cost him his chance to get on the score sheet. There was some good defending form Cullompton during this phase of the game.

The half time team talk needed little comment from the coach. The team were in control, they knew it and they knew what they needed to do. They were all encouraging and supporting each other in a very positive manner and this team spirit was demonstrated in their play. Craig Trice as full back may have seen little ball but his encouragement and continual instruction as to where the ball was just showed how everyone was involved and focused on winning this game.

The second half again saw Sidmouth keep up the commanding play. The forwards were outstanding in their ruck play with loads of talking and a leading performance by Ben Rix. Some good strong defence tackling all round from Ryan Davies, James Stokes and Tom Smith in back row who also provided great back up at the break downs. Sam Jenkins and Ed Hewlett were strong in staying on there feet to help the drives. Ross Skinner hooked well in the scrums and it wasn’t long before flanker Harry Tinknell scored his second from a pick and run move which was not converted. A penalty 5 minutes later was kicked by Ben Salter for a further 3 points and moments later he was instrumental in feeding Dan Colson the ball for a 60 metre run resulting in another converted try. Matt Goss was again unlucky not have scored in the corner from a long kick up field. At this point Matt Goss changed positions with Mike Boraston who had had a good game at fly half getting quick ball out. Matt linked well going through the gaps opening up in the defence to put Dan Colson through for his second try.

Ben Salter completed the try scoring and Dan Colson converted it to bring the final score to an emphatic 34 – 0 victory. A great game, well played, with good spirit from both sides.

Marc Colson (Report ID No. 157)

Emphatic Away Win for Under 13s (25/09/07)

Exeter Saracens 0 SidmouthU13’s 34




Sidmouth had trained long and hard through the summer for this crunch match, and were rewarded with an emphatic away win to one of the best teams in Devon.
Sidmouth imposed themselves immediately from the kick off, their forwards maintaining a tempo way beyond the Saracens side. Sidmouth’s pack, especially Gavin Pearson, Will Oswald and Bryn Henrickson, were a yard quicker and technically superior at the breakdown than their shocked opponents. Enough quick ball was secured for the backs to score with ease. Right winger Olly Tollerfield went over first in his corner after quick hands in the backs. Then, with his trademark combination of speed and power, centre Olly Blyth soon added to the score. Winger Alex Dunn literally flying, soon blew the opposition away with his electric pace, with a superb hat trick of tries before half time. Isaac Radford at fly half, also had a cracking match, kicking superbly for position and added two conversions.

Exeter were stung by their lesson and performed more creditably in the second half. Exeter played with the wind and pressurised Sidmouth with some good kicks, but full back Eoin Ross and winger Jack Bolton coped impressively. Sidmouth had travelled without a forward substitute and Connor Male and Rory Smith showed improved stamina to last the distance. Sidmouth upped their game just enough to pip the half with another late try from Alex Dunn.

Don Blyth (uploaded cd) (Report ID No. 155)

Determined Sidmouth versus Steadfast Sarry's (25/09/07)

Sidmouth U16’s Rugby

Sidmouth 3 Exeter Saracens 14

In the first match of the season Sidmouth came out onto the Blackmore with gritty determination to win. Within minutes the forwards knew they were in a game with a powerful Exeter pack dominated the scrums. The Sidmouth backs proved strong in attack and Ben Salter put Sidmouth ahead with a forty yard penalty kick after 15 minutes. With fierce open play Sidmouth were competing well with fine tackling from Ryan Davies and man of the match Tom Smith. Some good catching in the line-outs by Tom Smith and Matt Berry gave Sidmouth some good chances to break but Sidmouth just couldn’t capitalise against an equally good defence from the Saracens. Sam Tollerfield did manage a blistering run up the wing but was halted just yards from the line. With the onset of a steady drizzle a few handling errors allowed Exeter to score a try which they converted.

The second half saw Exeter dominate possession. However a change in their forwards had levelled the scrums up and scrum half Tom Harris was able to get some quick ball away. Nevertheless the steadfast Exeter pack scored a second try with a well worked drive. Sidmouth dug deep and played with great courage and tenacity as they battled to hold off the confident Saracens. Some magnificent defending from all the backs kept Exeter from scoring again and Craig’s ‘dogged assertiveness’ as full back paid off keeping the final score at 14 points to 3. A fantastic display of rugby with all players giving 100% and a massive improvement all round from last season.

Marc Colson (Report ID No. 156)