Sidmouth Quins 23, Cullompton 18

The Quins started the New year in great fashion, beating one of the best drilled sides in the Merit Table, writes Steve Channing.

It didn't bode well for the men in green, Cully were always on the front foot, and within two minutes knocked over a penalty, and were only a pass away from a try. Ben Pratt slotted a penalty to level the scores.

The restart, which wasn't dealt with by the home team, fell kindly into the hands of the visiting centre who ran untouched under the post for a easy five points, the conversion added for a seven point lead. Sidmouth's forwards were now on the up and began to dominate the set pieces. resulting in another well struck penalty from Ben Pratt, who was just wide with a long range effort before half time.

The second half started in the same manner for the home side. They conceded a penalty within two minutes. But the Quins scored their best try of the season so far. From a solid scrum, a quick pass to the fly half, saw him receive the ball back on a loop from the inside centre. He missed the outside centre to a fast running full back who trundled in under the posts. Pratt added the extras to level the scores.

Will Gater, who scored the last try, then went very close with a drop goal from his own 10 metre line. Halfway through the half both sides were reduced to 14 after a yellow card each, Sidmouth's could have been avoided if a certain player could control himself.

James Powell chipped over the defence, Robbie Ross collected and off loaded to the impressive Johnny Hamill to dot down out wide to give the Quins the lead for the first time.

James Powell rounded up a good day for himself by scoring next, before Cullompton scored with final whistle being blown not long after. The Quins were dominant, with the forwards exceptional, and we don't want to name any of them as all 11 of them were exceptional.

Lets hope the Quins can keep the same sort of team for next week’s trip to Paignton.