Sidmouth Quins produced their best form of the season to beat table-topping Exeter Engineers 19-15 in a thrilling game, writes Stu Cavin.

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth 2nds at home to Exeter Engineers at the Sidford ground. Ref shsp 06 18TI 7053. Picture: Terry IfeSidmouth 2nds at home to Exeter Engineers at the Sidford ground. Ref shsp 06 18TI 7053. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Sidmouth put out one of their strongest squads of the season, including six colts who did not look out of place in this senior game.

The Engineers are a fast and pacy side and a full squad was needed to ensure Sidmouth could compete for the full 80 minutes.

The first half was a tight affair; there were some great breaks from Oli Perez and Giles Dixon but the Engineers’ defence was solid. Mark Oke was exceptional on the wing, taking many high balls as the Engineers tried to clear from their own 22, where they spent most of the half.

Despite this pressure, engineers broke twice and scored two tries, leaving Sidmouth 10 points down at half-time.

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth 2nds at home to Exeter Engineers at the Sidford ground. Ref shsp 06 18TI 7053. Picture: Terry IfeSidmouth 2nds at home to Exeter Engineers at the Sidford ground. Ref shsp 06 18TI 7053. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

The second half saw a great captain’s display from Neil Barret, who ensured the tempo remained and focused the team’s effort in dominating the forward play.

Carl Burrows was a constant threat and Jason Stephens and Otis Hudson had great ball-carrying runs and the ever present Aaron Down was outstanding in both defence as well as being such a threat going forward.

Sidmouth chose to utilise the whole squad to keep the pressure on, which led to two quick tries, both converted by Will Dunford. Sidmouth went into the last 10 minutes 14-10 up when a series of penalties let the Engineers in to score again 15-14. With some of the best team spirit and fight of the season Sidmouth worked their way into the Engineers’ 22. Archie Bagwell controlled the play and finally Sidmouth went over in the last minute of the game to win 19-15. An epic win against a really strong Engineers side, which has shown the talent and skills within this Sidmouth side.