After scoring 112 points in their last two games, Sidmouth entertained Exmouth, the visitors having also started the season in fine form, scoring 201 points four matches. Anybody that expected this high scoring to continue was left disappointed, but the match itself was anything but poor.

The first half was played at a conservative tempo, neither side creating many clear cut opportunities. Sidmouth almost scored through a long range Tom Whelan penalty, unfortunately the kick was to drop just short. The full-back almost scored a try minutes later in the clubhouse corner; the referee disallowing the try due to the ball being knocked forward. The men in green had a couple of other chances during the first half. On more than one occasion the final pass was not executed properly bringing promising moves to an end.

The away team did score in the first 40 minutes; the Exmouth kicker on target with two penalty kicks. This opened up a half-time lead of 6-0.

Exmouth began the second brightly and had Sidmouth under considerable pressure.

The flow of the game was about to swing drastically in favour of Exmouth. The visitors camped themselves in the home 22 for 15 minutes or more. During this spell Sidmouth had to play with a handicap of two, prop Luke Knight and flanker Stuart Bickerstaff both seeing yellow in the space of three minutes. Despite the major blow of losing two players the home team defended their line valiantly for a further five minutes, but eventually conceded a try.

Exmouth’s grip on the game tightened soon after. An Exmouth back hacked the ball through after a dropped pass by the Sidmouth back line. The visiting winger won the race to the ball and timed his pass well to send one of his team-mates clear. The try was converted.

Sidmouth tried desperately to score in the closing stages of the game but could not break a stubborn Exmouth defence.

At times Sidmouth performed on par with their previous two games, but a lack of composure and discipline at crucial times cost them dear.

This is a problem they will need to address in future. In the opinion of many people watching and playing over the course of the season it is unlikely Sidmouth will play a better side.

A few of the Sidmouth players currently on the fringe of the first team did their chances of selection no harm. This coming week Sidmouth face the long drive to Plymouth to face Devonport Services; a club which Sidmouth have not played for a few seasons.