This was a fantastic game and both sides should be proud of the quality of rugby. The handling and ball retention were outstanding, emphasising the importance of good individual skills and fitness to beat Ivybridge colts 12-3.

Ivybridge started strongly with their openside dominating the breakdown and their fly-half controlling field position so that after 20 minutes they took a three point lead.

Although the rest of the game was close, Sidmouth adapted to the conditions and strong opposition and as the game developed Sidmouth crucially dominated the gain line more and more.

Ben Ward, the Sidmouth fly-half, varied the play with excellent kicking options, midfield drives and choosing the right moments to go wide and just before half-time Sidmouth took the lead through James Bramley who burst through a hole in a stretched Ivybridge defence.

In the second half the Sidmouth forwards made better carries, broke more tackles and breached the gain line more regularly than Ivybridge and Sam Carlisle and Gavin Pearson contested the breakdown which committed the Ivybridge flankers.

Olly Blyth was outstanding at centre and alongside George Locke, Christian Goddard and the backrow, Sidmouth had an important edge in midfield. Jack Sowden, Jack Colwill and Dan Rugg ensured good possession from the Sidmouth line-out and the kick chase and running of Wells-Burr was excellent. Sidmouth repeatedly took the ball through 10 or more phases and after coming close several times they created, and finished-off, an overlap and Cotton touched-down to open a two score lead. Ivybridge got possession and good field position from the restart to set-up an intense last 10 minutes.

Sidmouth showed good leadership, discipline and commitment and in forcing turnovers they were able to clear their lines for a deserved win.

The win backs-up a bonus point victory at Torquay and sets-up another huge league game against Barnstaple at home on Saturday.

Sidmouth Colts are on course for an end of season play-off spot and your support would be very welcome.