Exeter Saracens arranged an excellent tournament for 16 teams from across the county and Sidmouth were the deserving and popular winners of the U12 Devon Plate, beating Ivybridge, Plymstock, Crediton and Torquay.

Exeter Saracens arranged an excellent tournament for 16 teams from across the county and Sidmouth were the deserving and popular winners of the U12 Devon Plate, beating Ivybridge, Plymstock, Crediton and Torquay. Not only were the team trophy winners but in the process were the top points scorers in the tournament, an outstanding achievement and justly deserved thanks to their increasing commitment as a team to play expansive and exciting rugby.The pool stages started perfectly for Sidmouth, who retrieved the kick-off and went through three well rehearsed phases to set the platform to beat Ivybridge, one of the pre-tournament favourites, and demote them to the Vase competition. Sidmouth then went on to rack up 28 points against Plymstock and a further 42 against Crediton.Although in each game the platform was set by the forwards, the handling, decision making and execution in open play by both forwards and backs was outstanding. With a game plan to move the ball at every opportunity, even under pressure, Sidmouth had the confidence, composure and ability to constantly stretch their opposition, get the ball into space and score in wide positions. In the final against Torquay, Sidmouth scored on both wings to take a two try lead and then had enough strength and character to defend a determined fight back and secure the trophy. The victorious squad were: Pares (captain), Headon (vice), Goddard (vice), East, Gosling, Faulkner (six tries), Carlisle (2), Rutland, Kearnes, Harris (2), Jenkins (13 conversions), Webber (2), Gallantree (1), Welsford, Down, Cooper, Perchard-Richards. Well done boys, thanks to family and friend for all the support, and good luck to the U13s!