Several hundred spectators watched the final of the Devon Plate at the impressive Sandy Park, home of National Division One side Exeter Chiefs.

Several hundred spectators watched the final of the Devon Plate at the impressive Sandy Park, home of National Division One side Exeter Chiefs. Both Sidmouth and Okehampton made a fairly nervous start but it was Sidmouth who adapted first to the spectacular surroundings and significance of the occasion. Their maturity showed and they soon dominated the play which set a pattern for the majority of the game. However, Okehampton were no pushover with a distinct height and weight advantage in their forwards. Robbie Ross was first to open the scoring after 13 minutes when maul after maul pushed the play past the Okehampton 22 metres and inexorably over their try line.Alex Dobson followed this 10 minutes later with a try coming from solid passing amongst the line of backs. Just before half time Ben Pratt had an opportunity to add more points from a penalty, but his perfect 50 yard kick was cruelly deflected by a sudden gust of wind which pushed the ball against the post.Okehampton struggled in their efforts to get the ball near the Sidmouth try line so once within sight they seized the opportunity to grab some points with a drop goal several minutes into the second period. Okehampton increased their efforts to get out of their own half but Sidmouth repeated what has been their strength all season by digging in hard and not retreating an inch. They stood their ground superbly, repelling several attacking moves until Charlie Davies got sight of the ball and ripped it ruthlessly from the Okehampton forwards. Once the ball was with the Sidmouth backs, there were men over and Alex Dobson took full advantage to land his second try. Barnaby Goss sealed the victory with a solo run involving three kicks along the ground and running half the length of the pitch to touch the ball down.There was obvious delight all round as the Sidmouth players climbed the steps to be presented with the trophy. This was a well deserved reward for everyone involved this season, including coaches John Hamill, Scott Davies and Paul Brown, and those who have put in so much work off the pitch, particularly Nikki Reed and Sam Pearson.