With the Exeter Chiefs' first team grabbing the headlines recently with league and cup runs in full flight, it was the turn of their under-15 side to host Sidmouth in the semi-final of the Devon Plate.

With the Exeter Chiefs' first team grabbing the headlines recently with league and cup runs in full flight, it was the turn of their under-15 side to host Sidmouth in the semi-final of the Devon Plate. The weather had tried for most of the previous day to dampen the fixture but the high-tech playing surface at the Chiefs' ground at Sandy Park, plus some welcome sunshine, made the conditions near perfect. The largest number of spectators seen by either team for a match reflected the anticipation both sides felt for progressing in this prestigious trophy.It was a predictably cautious start but Sidmouth seized an opportunity to open the scoring after ten minutes. Following a scrum on the Chiefs' five metre line, the pack pressured forwards and over the line for a try. The rest of the game was a classic example of Sidmouth's determination, skill and perseverance as two more tries followed. The Exeter Chiefs were clearly ruffled as they were unable to hold back the tidal wave of attacks thrown at them. Their frustrations showed and the referee had no hesitation in producing a yellow card to an Exeter Chiefs' forward after repeated warnings not to kill the play.A lot of effort has been put into training by coaches and players during the last few weeks and this showed as Sidmouth confidently won all of their own scrums plus several against the head. It would be unfair to pick out any individuals from this match for particular praise as the performance of every member of the team was nothing short of magnificent. They are now looking forward to taking on Okehampton in the final, which will be played at Sandy Park in three weeks' time.