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Sidmouth RFC U13s 53, Bridgwater 7

On a sunny February morning all 27 of Sidmouth’s Under-13 squad turned up ready to play Bridgwater! Effectively this meant the coaches had to field two teams for each half, writes Chris Robinson.

From the off the first half team played well. Allen showed his skills and pace to score the first.

Bridgwater, though, caught Sidmouth’s defence napping, and their centre scored. Sidmouth came straight back and Kennaugh’s powerful run and offload lead to Counsell’s first try as a ‘blood replacement’! Allen converted from out wide.

The scrum worked very well in this half and Robinson and Bolton secured quick ball, which allowed Moore to power over.

The backs, not to be outdone, linked beautifully. Nic J-G, to Kennaugh to Morgan who dived over. An excellent first half.

Team two took a bit of time to gel, but they were too powerful and fit to be held out for long.

The scrum won a penalty, which Sidmouth took quickly and Counsell dived over. Hankin almost scored, but soon after Sidmouth took another quick penalty and Counsell scored again.

All the play by now was in Bridgwater’s half and it was great to see Sargent drive up the middle closely supported by Hill, who scored under the posts.

Counsell had his kicking boots on today and his crossfield kick and a kind bounce lead to Allen’s second try.

Counsell scored the last try to create a large winning margin, but Sidmouth knew they had been in a proper rugby match.