The U16s got their league campaign off to a confident start by recording a comprehensive victory over an inexperienced Tiverton side.

Sidmouth found their feet very quickly. They found themselves 24-0 up inside eight minutes, tries coming from new captain James Bramley, Bryn Henrickson, Eoin Ross and Oli Tollerfield, Paddy Barraclough adding two conversions.

After this explosive start, things calmed down. Sidmouth’s indiscipline allowed Tiverton into the game, but Sidmouth showed a high level of defensive commitment. As the half drew to a close, Gavin Pearson scored twice either side of a Tiverton penalty to give half-time score of 34-3 to Sidmouth.

Sid started the second half the way they started the first – with tries. It started with Bramley crossing again, and he was followed by Jamie Prosser and debutant Dan Rugg. The backs played with excellent handling and speed, but were let down slightly by their decision-making, but this is only to be expected this early in the season. The hand of the referee slowed the game again after this, but Sidmouth ended the match with further tries from Fin Cawthera, Henrickson and Tollerfield.

Overall, this was a good performance but being offside when kicking, binding in the scrums and not rolling away in the rucks will have to be rectified. Rugg made a good debut and the Harrison Lavers Man of the Match was Henrickson. It should be a successful season.