Tiverton RFC 2nds (30) v Sidmouth RFC Quins (13)
The Quins last away game of the season was a good reflection of the majority of their games this campaign; rare moments of quality but plenty of indecisiveness, naivety and lack of self belief. If the Quins want to improve next season they need to cut these errors down considerably, their league position is I am sad to say where they deserve to be on the evidence of the majority of performances this season. A team with so many skilful players should not be so low in the table.
The Quins kicked off into a strong wind and were behind within the opening 8 minutes. Tiverton broke away from near halfway to score under the posts and open up an early 7-0 lead. Tiverton almost extended their lead minutes later from a penalty but the kick drifted just wide.
The Quins first real attack after 15 minutes looked very promising to begin with after a good maul and some decent handling. Unfortunately Tiverton turned the ball over at a ruck and again broke away to score in the right corner the tricky conversion was of target. Tiverton would have gone further ahead, but for a fantastic last ditch tackle by Ben Salter.
The Quins were soon to enjoy a spell of pressure which would eventually result in a try for hooker Neil Barratt. The try came about following a series of 4 or 5 quick rucks and some very good handling. A little chip behind the defence by Josh Reed looked to have halted the move, but Captain Stuart Bickerstaff somehow managed to get hold of the ball and make the decisive break before passing to Barratt who “sprinted” over in the corner. The conversion attempt by Ben Pratt was just of target.
The Quins were soon on the attack again but could not force their way over an error at a lineout gifted position to Tiverton. The home side broke out from their 22 and were only denied a try but another fine Salter tackle. The home side almost scored a third try but the referee adjudged the Tiverton player made a double movement when grounding the ball over the line; this allowed the Quins to clear although momentarily. An easy penalty in front of the posts saw Tiverton extend their lead only for the Quins to reply with a penalty via the boot of Pratt on the half-time whistle.
The opening five or ten minutes of the second period were scrappy neither side managing to take command; until a missed tackle by the Quins allowed Tiverton their fourth try of the day.
The Quins task of fighting back was dealt a blow when prop Ben Halford was shown a yellow card for fighting with his opposite number following a scrum. The home team only just managed to take advantage of their numerical supremacy by scoring a fifth try after some dogged Quins defence, seconds after the try Halford returned to the pitch.
The Quins were next on the score sheet. A powerful scrum by the forwards gave Bickerstaff the platform to sneak over in the corner. The conversion by Pratt went agonisingly wide. Just as it seemed like the Quins were mounting a comeback the home side delivered the knock out blow. Simple handling by the Tiverton backs saw their winger score their sixth and final try.
The final 10 minutes saw the Quins mount a valiant effort but mistakes at crucial moments cost them dear. The last play of the game saw the ball held up over the Tiverton line but the referee was unsighted so could not give the try.
Sidmouth 2nds v Barnstaple 2nds
Sidmouth Quins 10 Barnstaple 17
The Quins gave Barnstaple a good game at the Blackmore and perhaps if a few decisions went there way could have claimed a victory.
Barnstaple started the stronger of the two sides scoring a converted try after fifteen minutes. Sidmouth then had the lions share of posses ion and territory, No eight Pete Springfield was eventually awarded a try after some great forward work. Gavin Pearson up from the colts played as if he was in the seniors all season, soon to be joined by fellow colt, Jeremy Massey-Birch who replaced Ben salter, departing with a dead leg. Pete Springfield got his second try of the match to give the Quins a 3 point lead. Both wings Adam Squance and James Leat with ball in hand were now stretching the visitors from North Devon. On one such run James Leat chipped ahead and was taken out by the visiting fly-half, who received a yellow card and 10 minutes in the cooler, that was James final part as he had to leave the field very dazed. To rub salt into the Quins wounds, the guilty party came back on just before half time to slot over a penalty to tie the score.
The second half was a even battle with both sides missing penalty attempts. Barnstaple scored the winning try with fifteen minutes to play. despite plenty of effort the Quins could not manage to get over the visitors line. With the last play of the game Josh Reed intercepted the ball 10 metres out and gamely tried to batter his way through two defenders but was held up short, to the sound of the final whistle. Tom Irish another colt came on in the front row and proved he will add competition for a place next season. Stuart Bickerstaff who has captained the side whilst 2nd team club captain Mike Down has set up his new business as a publican in the Volly at Ottery (all the best Mike from the 2's) was always in the thick of the action and non stop in his efforts for his team. Looking like a good bet for Skipper next season. This week the Quins travel to Tiverton for their final merit table game.
Sidmouth 2nds v Newton Abbot Away
Newton Abbot 44 Sidmouth 0
The Quins were well beaten on their travels again, conceding a try in the first minute a even bigger defeat seemed on the cards, the fifteen players who travelled can hold their heads high for the effort put in. Twenty points down at half time, Sidmouth lost Johnny Hamil with a knee injury and the impressive Garath Pearson with a neck strain, early in the second period. Captain Stuart Bickerstaff was once again industrious all over the park.
The Quins will be at the Blackmore on Easter saturday against Devonport Services looking for a win to help towards staying in merit table 1.
Sidmouth 2nds v Devonport Home
Sidmouth 33 Devonport 8
A welcome return to the Blackmore, after a month of away fixtures, concluded with a well earn't victory for the Quins.
A nervous start by the home side was brought alive when Steve Trim made a break in mid pitch, a high tackle bringing a halt to the scrumhalf's advancement, Will Dunford expertly kicked the resulting penalty for a 3 point lead. Martin Keywood, once again showed his potential, with a couple of barnstorming runs which even had Mr Thomas cheering for Sidmouth from the stand. Andrew Doidge claimed Sidmouths 1st try following a forward catch and drive from a line out caught by Lewis Tollerfield. Dunford added the conversion. Devonport hit back with a penalty, Stuart Bickerstaff having been deemed to be in the wrong in a wrestle with the visiting 8. James |Powell scored next, receiving a delightful delayed pass from 2nd row Bryn Thomas, who injured his knee badly in the process, meaning he will miss the rest of the season. Dunford's radar was bang on for the 2 points. Devonport were hard done by when a certain try was pulled back for a forward pass. Before Dunford saw the half out with another 3 pointer for a 20-3 lead.
Devonport only travelled with the bare 15, ( a situation Sidmouth have often been in this season) lost one of their front row, uncontested scrums were brought in, halting Sidmouths domination up front for the 2nd half, shortly after Sidmouth lost Lewis Tollerfield with a dislocated shoulder, he has been one of the Quins most consistent and regular performers this season. Devonport scored a try, running up through the middle of some poor attempts at tackling from the home team.
Dunford carried on his rich vein of kicking missing one out of three, which just shaved the wrong side of the upright. Jamie Wardrop put in a great try saving tackle to deny the visitors. Ben Pratt then crashed through a couple of would be tacklers and touched down under the posts to give Will Dunford his easiest kick of the day.
A resounding result in a league the Quins have struggled in this season, it certainly helps being at home and having replacements.
This saturday the Quins are home against Barnstaple who recently ran in over 70 points against Sidmouth 2nds.
Sidmouth 2nds v Barnstable 2nds
Barnstable 73 Sidmouth 14
The Quins suffered another hefty defeat this time in North Devon. After being 54-0 down at half time, Sidmouths highlight was a 60 metre dash from Luke Knight.
The second half was a lot better from Sidmouth, Rodger Goulding crashed his way over and a penalty try, both converted by Adam Squance. Ben Salter at full back was the pick for Sidmouth. Young Chris Aplin made his debut for the second team, not letting himself down with a gutsy performance.
The Quins play away for the fourth time in succession at Newton Abbot looking for a win to try and keep them in Mert Table 1.
