Sidmouth Under-15s travelled to Exmouth for their last game of 2016 and the contest proved to be one between two well-matched sides that ended all square at 24-24.

Fortunately, the heavy fog that threatened the game cleared in time for.

In recent weeks the Under-15s have been producing good performances that have not been matched by results in meetings with Withycombe and Cullompton and they began this contest confidently.

They put together some good passages of play that included some impressive mauling from the line out, giving them good field position. Some powerful running from centre Tom Bree unlocked the Exmouth defence and provided the opening score of the morning, with Cole Monaghan kicking the extras.

Exmouth, for a moment, looked shell shocked and it took a period of time before they regained a foothold in the match before their skipper, Devon forward Harry Sprague, powered over from 30 yards busting his way through a number of tackles.

End-to-end action followed and, just before the break, Sidmouth captain-for-the-day Alex Peacock crossed from close range to see his side into half-time with a 14-5 lead.

Exmouth were the dominant force in the second half and they began to build pressure, scoring a brace of tries to lead 17-14.

Sidmouth dug deep and, boosted by some much-improved kick chases combined with good retention of the ball played a part in the forwards inching towards the line.

The ever-present Jack Jenkins popped up at the right time to make a final burst to get over the line and Sidmouth were back in the lead at 19-17.

The back-and-forth nature of the contest continued and a converted try saw Exmouth take a 24-19 lead.

In previous weeks Sidmouth might have run out of gas, but they showed huge resolve again working their way deep into the Exmouth 22.

With time running out they were awarded a penalty. Jack Marchant charged towards the Exmouth line. The forwards managed to recycle the ball on a number of occasions before the home line was eventually broken with Peacock going over for his second try to ensure honours ended even.

The Sidmouth boys again can take a great deal from this performance. They are showing real progress in all areas of their game.

After the match the players headed off for the club Christmas lunch at which the five St Johns pupils who have joined the team were presented with Sidmouth RFC club ties.