Sidmouth 3rd XV 58, Paignton 3rds 5

Sidmouth 3rds finally got their first win of the season - scoring an amazing nine tries against an unfortunate Paignton side who caught Sidmouth at their best, helped in no small way by Exeter Chief Peter Short, writes Will Holland.

Short, who broke his leg eight weeks after joining Chiefs, was looking for a game after missing the deadline for European registration. The former England Saxons, Leicester Tigers and Bath back row acted as a focal point for Sidmouth and pitched in with two tries, but it was the way he brought the rest of the team into the game that was the real bonus for Sidmouth.

Sidmouth could have had more tries if not for a couple of knock-ons in crucial positions. Sidmouth had a large squad of 21 players with everyone getting a least 15 minutes of game time. Right from the start Sidmouth took it straight to Paignton with Chris Legg for once with ball in hand setting up a ruck where Short was able to break away and race over the first score.

Before Paignton realised what they were up against they were trailing 21-0 with Sidmouth showing no mercy. Sidmouth relaxed and let Paignton in, conceding a try in the corner although they hit back straight away replying with a penalty slotted by the ever reliable Adam Squance. The points continued to flow throughout the game with Adam Howe proving to be the games stand out back and player with loads of hard running and hard tacking, although those outside him may wish he would spread the ball a little more! Howe ended up scoring a hat-trick of tries making him popular in the club after the game after having to buy the trademark jug of beer!

In the second half Sidmouth decided to give the forwards more to do with Neil Barratt prominent, linking with the backs and going over for a try. Bryn Thomas also got on the score sheet after a lovely rolling maul. Big thanks to all who played and came on as a sub because you all played very well and can feel very proud of the win. Tries scorer were :Howe 3, Short 2; Barratt, Thomas, Hargreaves and Reede. Squance converted five to add to his penalty. This week: away to Exmouth.

Paignton said “Peter Short signed some shirts for the younger members of the team who will remember the game for a long time and some of the older ones will be checking the Sidmouth teamsheet before they agree to travel there again!”