A large crowd were in attendance at the Blackmore Field on Good Friday for the meeting between a Sidmouth XV and an Ottery XV that the latter won 43-24, writes Terry O’Brien.

The match was played in great spirit and was garecd with glorious spring sunshine throughout the contest.

Both sides had early scoring opportunities, Ottery from a handling move, which ended with a knock on and Sidmouth from a lineout catch and drive, which was held up.

Eventually Ottery took a lead they would not reliquish, when Dom Hawke made a break through the centre and sent Joe Briggs clear for an unconverted try.

Sidmouth were facing a heavy defeat, when three more tries followed in quick succession. Will Siddle finished off a handling move started in the Ottery half. Mark Oke sprinted over after a period of pressure in the Sidmouth 22. And Joe Briggs dummied his way over following a 5 metre scrum for his second score. Connor Down added two conversions.

Sidmouth opened their account on the half hour, when Ryan Davies dotted down at the back of a driving maul.

Connor Down completed the first half scoring with a strong run up the right wing, leaving three defenders in his wake. The score at the break was 29-5 to Ottery.

The second half was an altogether closer affair, with Sidmouth outscoing the visitors. Ben West went over on the overlap after a long period of Sidmouth pressure.

Ottery extended their lead, when Aaron Down drove over from close range and Connor Down added the conversion.

Steve Trim, making a rare appearance for Sidmouth, darted over from the base of a ruck near the line. Adam Squance added the conversion.

Will Siddle capitalised on a dropped ball to dribble over and touch down. Connor Down’s conversion completed the scoring for Ottery.

Sidmouth had the final say, when Adam Squance intercepted to sprint in under the posts and added the conversion.

On Saturday the Chiefs entertain Crediton with a 3pm kick off.

The 2nds and 3rds travel to Crediton.

The Colts play Devonport Services at Sidford, kicking off at 3pm.