Sidmouth Quins secured a fifth consecutive win by defeating Crediton II in the Devon 2nd XV Cup match.
The match took place at the Blackmore, with Sidmouth's Quins stepping up against a team that had maintained a perfect record this season.
The Quins showed their mettle against a side well-acquainted with the upper echelons of the league table.
Sidmouth's lineout performance was notable.
Alfie Collins and Will Cockayne-Cottrell intercepted the first three Crediton throws, easing early pressure.
Although the Crediton pack held sway in the scrum, it was insufficient to secure a turnover.
Sidmouth's first points on the board came when Ben Fisher, after some skilful play across the team, finished off a move initiated by Tom Price.
Captain James Docherty converted, securing an early lead.
Crediton rallied, but the Quins' forward pack, including Asa Unsworth, Ned Coles, Connor Preston, and Jake Paget, held firm.
Sidmouth increased their lead halfway through the first period when Jack Hembrow broke through the Crediton defence and passed to Unsworth, who found Alex Clemo-Crosby for a try in the corner.
Docherty's conversion made it 14-0 to Sidmouth.
Despite Crediton's efforts, they could not breach Sidmouth's defence before the break.
The second half saw Sidmouth take advantage of the wind, with Dan Armstrong and Charlie Farrington-Smith stabilising the scrum.
Sidmouth's backline continued to trouble Crediton, with Scott Henderson scoring after a well-orchestrated move from their half.
Five minutes later, Jake Smith made significant progress through the centre, linking with Fisher and Price to set up Harvey Green for another try.
Smith added the extras with a touchline conversion.
A lapse in Sidmouth's defence allowed Crediton back into the game, with their left winger and scrum half scoring two tries in quick succession, reducing Sidmouth's lead to 26-12 with just under 15 minutes left.
However, the young Sidmouth side held their nerve.
A strong defensive effort saw Ollie Hansford-Harvey intercept a loose ball and score, with Docherty adding the conversion.
Crediton managed a consolation try after a prolonged period of play, but Sidmouth's determined defence made every metre hard-won.
The Quins now take a break before returning to league action against second-placed Tiverton II.
The team for Sidmouth included Jack Marchant (Dan Armstrong), Connor Preston (Charlie Farrington-Smith), Ned Coles, Alfie Collins, Will Cockayne-Cottrell, Asa Unsworth, Jake Paget, Ryan Davies, Ben Fisher, James Docherty, Sam Basnett (Ollie Hansford-Harvey), Jack Hembrow (Jake Smith), Scott Henderson, Tom Price, and Alex Clemo-Crosby (Harvey Green).
The scorers for Sidmouth were B Fisher (T), A Clemo-Crosby (T), S Henderson (T), H Green (T), O Hansford-Harvey (T); J Docherty (3C), and J Smith (C).
The Man of the Match was awarded to Alfie Collins.
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