Memorial match tribute to Tug Wilson

Sidmouth Chiefs 47pts,

Tug Wilson Invitation XV 41pts

A good crowd were in attendance at the Blackmore Field on a pleasant spring day for this memorial match to celebrate the life of Tug Wilson, and his considerable contribution to the game of rugby, writes Terry O’Brien.

They were treated to an entertaining game, played by players on both sides who benefited from Tug’s work on their behalf, from his time at Exeter Chiefs, with the Devon teams and his two spells at Sidmouth.

The referee was Andrew Pearce, more usually seen as an assistant referee in Premiership games. The kick off was preceded by a minute’s applause.

Two Sidmouth tries, one converted, within as many minutes of the kick off, scored by Jack Pyne and with Tom Seward running in from halfway, gave the immediate impression of a mismatch.

However, by the 10th minute the scores were level, thanks to tries by the right winger and number eight with a conversion by Will Dunford.

A competitive game was under way, albeit with a considerable sense of adventure reserved for these occasions.

The Chiefs surged ahead with tries from Tom Whelan, Matt Goss and Sam Meadham, all converted by Whelan.

However, an interception try by the outside centre and another from close range by the number eight reduced the margin to 33-22 at half time.

Immediately after the restart, Tom Whelan scored his second try, after good driving by the forwards had taken play deep into the opposing 22. His conversion brought up the 40 points for his side.

The next 25 minutes were dominated by the Invitation XV as they scored 19 unanswered points.

Tries were scored by Glenn Channing, Ben Wright and Dan Trim, with Channing adding two conversions. The Invitation XV now had a one point lead with 10 minutes remaining.

Tom Whelan confirmed himself as Sidmouth’s Man of the Match, and saved his side’s blushes, with a solo run for the winning score, a converted try.

The Invitation XV’s Man of the Match award went to Glenn Channing.