Sidmouth 41, Exmouth 17 Sidmouth Under-15s ensured their continuation in the plate competition with a convincing win against Exmouth, writes Steve Searle.

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Under-15 rugby versus Exmouth in a Plate matchSidmouth Under-15 rugby versus Exmouth in a Plate match (Image: Archant)

From the kick off Sidmouth looked like they meant business and they relentlessly drove Exmouth back to their line, but gave away a penalty under the posts.

The kick was cleanly caught by Jamie Walker who passed to Tom Counsell to run in the first try for Sidmouth.

Exmouth’s response was instant as they pounced on a loose ball to level at 5-5.

Sidmouth next stole the ball in an Exmouth lineout, something they were to repeat many times in the game, and Will Counsell, not to be out done by his brother ran the next try in.

Another ball stolen in the lineout led to the next try and this time it was the turn of David Chan to run in a try which was then converted by Tom Counsell to put Sidmouth 17-5 ahead at the break.

A kick by Will Counsell gave Exmouth a lineout close to their line, but once again Sidmouth stole the ball, and again Chan was able to run it home beside the posts and Tom Counsell tucked away the conversion.

Exmouth struck next, stealing from one of Sidmouth’s lineout’s to run in a converted try and reduce the deficit to 24-12.

A penalty to Sidmouth ended with Tom Counsell crossing and he swiftly bagged another after a neat chip from Aaron Bagwell. This was Counsell’s fourth try of the game and he duly slotted the conversion to make it 41-12.

Exmouth had the final word with a last minute try to complete the scoring.

This was an enthralling game of rugby to watch, with great flowing rugby involving all players and it produced a fine win for Sidmouth against a strong Exmouth side.