Ivybridge 2nd 20 Sidmouth 2nd 19

Sidmouth Quins’ Merit Table fixture at Ivybridge saw the hosts dominate the early play, the Quins on top late on, writes Rob Baugh.

With player changes in key positions, it was going to take time for the team to settle, but the defence snuffed out a series of Ivybridge attacks, their only reward being a penalty on 15 minutes. The Quins were forced to make early changes to the pack following a finger injury to prop Luke Bees, the ever- youthful Chris Pike coming into the second row. Ivybridge capitalised, creating the overlap for a try wide out.

Quick hands saw full back Ben Salter join the line at pace, breaking though the centre to score under the posts from 35 metres. Adam Squance added the extras. Quins kept the pressure on in the Ivybridge half with strong runs from Ben Pratt, Adam Squance and Ryan Davies, the latter despite having kit issues.

Playing up the slope, the Quins opted for the same policy. Will Dunford, another making his first appearance following a pre season injury, at inside centre gave fresh impetus to the backline. It was his jinking run which took play to within five metres of the line, the home side conceding a penalty which was taken quickly by wing Scott Davies for the try which Will Dunford converted.

With the pressure mounting on the home side a game-changing incident went against Sidmouth; a well worked ball to wing Adam Squance saw him taken out by a cynical high tackle metres from the line, but with no punishment to the Ivybridge player, who minutes later was on hand to score at the other end.

The game seesawed again after the forwards, who grafted to a man all game, produced turnover ball on the halfway line for wing Adam Squance to be put clear, this time there was no stopping him scoring in the corner. The game was lost for Sidmouth when a kick ahead was fumbled and the bouncing ball was gratefully received by Ivybridge for the winning converted try.

A shoulder injury to Dom Hawke marred what was a much improved performance over the previous couple of weeks, next up Paignton 2nd at the Blackmore, 3 pm Kick Off