Marchant try double as Sidmouth Under-16s are edged out by Withycombe

Sidmouth Under-16s gave a good account of themselves before going down to a 38-22 defeat at the hands of Withycombe in a match played at Bicton College.

The early passages of play were fierce and tireless with the ball staying in play for long periods, neither side willing to kick away possession and both very effective at recycling the ball.

Withy struck first, but Sidmouth stayed patient, did not panic, and eventually won a line-out close to the opposition try-line.

A well-worked driving move followed and Jack Marchant took the ball over the line to get Sidmouth on the score board.

However, having restored parity, Sidmouth ‘switched off’ sufficiently and Withy hit straight back to score with a second try to regain the lead.

Sidmouth stayed in the game and once again levelled things up with centre Tom Bree finishing off an enterprising move that saw some excellent handling, to leave the teams trooping off at the interval all square at 12-all.

Withycombe, who are themselves enjoying a good season, struck first after the break, scoring a try from a scrum close to the Sidmouth line. Once again the young Chiefs hit back well with excellent build-up play by the forwards, leading to a break from Alex Peacock, who was stopped a couple of metres short of the line only for Jack Marchant to muscle his way over for his second try of the game.

Withy scored again and, in an end-to-end contest, Ollie Jones ran half the length of the pitch to score the fourth Sidmouth try.

With scores at 24-22 in favour of Withy, the game was finely balanced going into the closing stages, but it was the home side who finished the stronger and managed to score two late converted tries to seal their victory.

This weekend, Sidmouth Under-16s entertain Honiton at the Blackmore.