Sidmouth Chiefs negotiated a tricky start to the season with a second consecutive victory away from home, beating Wellington 29-17, writes Terry O’Brien.

Wellington were in control for much of the first half thanks to a more effective kicking game, which kept the Chiefs pinned in their own half for long periods.

The home side opened the scoring with a penalty kicked by the full back. Minutes later, a good handing move should have given them an opening try but for a knock on five metres short of the line.

However, they won the resulting scrum against the head for the number eight to pick up and drive over. The full back added the conversion. On a rare visit to the opposing half, Jake Allen kicked a penalty to open the Chiefs account.

When a Wellington forward was yellow carded for a high tackle, the Chiefs took advantage of the extra man when they stole the ball from a Wellington lineout on halfway. Good handling sent George Locke through a gap, and he outpaced the cover to touch down under the posts. Jake Allen added the conversion.

A successful penalty kick gave Wellington a narrow half time lead. Four minutes after the restart, they increased the lead with another penalty.

The Sidmouth forwards began to take control in the set pieces and, with more effective kicking, enjoyed territorial advantage.

They took the lead with a try from a lineout catch-and-drive play touched down by Jed Reid. Jason Allen converted to put his side in front for the first time.

Reid was on the scoresheet again a few minutes later following another powerful lineout maul. This time he peeled off to drive over the line. Again, the try was converted.

Wellington narrowed the gap with a fourth penalty before Jason Allen completed the scoring with a similar effort.

On Saturday, the Chiefs entertain Teignmouth kicking off at 3pm. The Quins travel to play Topsham 2nds. The Colts play Barnstaple Colts at Sidford kicking off at 3pm.

Last week, the club hosted a fantastic rugby fun day, introducing the game to a number of new faces, and youngsters fully embracing this amazing sport. And the sun even came out as an added bonus.