Oldfield 19, Sidmouth 1st XV 25

Three well-executed tries were enough to earn Sidmouth four league points and their second away win of the season, writes Clive Dwerryhouse.

Playing up the slope in the first half, Sidmouth’s man-to-man marking let them down on occasions, allowing Oldfield to score two tries for 12-0 lead. Sidmouth replied with a Tom Whelan penalty and then, on the stroke of half-time, produced an excellent try. Jack Pyne ripped the ball away from the opposition in his own 22 and sent brother Ollie on a powerful run up the left hand touch line supported by Chris Higgs.

The ball was moved in-field where skipper Alan Hubbleday committed the midfield defence, creating enough space outside for Glenn Channing to dummy his way through and show enough acceleration to take him the remaining 40 metres to the line. Whelan converted for a half-time score of 12-10 in favour of Oldfield.

Eleven minutes into the second half Sidmouth took the lead from a set-piece line-out move.

Channing and Dwight Pansegrouw combined powerfully in the centre to make the initial break and second row Chris Courtier showed impressive mobility to be on hand to complete the touch down. As the game progressed Sidmouth’s front row of Matt Lovesey, James Perry and Hubbleday began to dominate their opposite numbers and, when they secured a strike against the head, centre Jason Luff was quick to exploit a gap in the Oldfield defence, taking play to within five metres of the try line.

After a couple of rucks, Jack Pyne was on hand to blast his way over from short range. Whelan converted for a comfortable 10 point lead. There was still time for Oldfield to respond with a converted try of their own but, when they turned down a kickable penalty in an attempt to score another try, the Sidmouth forwards secured possession and the ball was kicked deep down field.

In the ensuing scramble Oldfield were penalised and Tom Whelan converted for a final score of 25-19 to Sidmouth. The Man of the Match Award went to Glenn Channing.

Next week the Chiefs travel to Bridgwater for a re-arranged league game.