Sidmouth RFC U13s 36, Ivybridge 7

On a cold morning in February, 16 hardy U13s congregated on a flat, damp pitch in Ivybridge ready to show off their skills, writes Chris Woodruff

They demonstrated these early on as Will Counsell powered over. The forwards were dominant all morning and, though it was occasionally messy, mostly they delivered quick clean ball.

Max Moore managed to squeeze over in the corner, finishing off a move he had started several phases before. Soon after, Charlie Wright scored his first, but he was also able to touch down under the posts to give Counsell the opportunity to convert.

The second half started as the first finished, though this time Wright converted his own try. The next try was the pick of the bunch.

The big boys crossed the gain line, the flankers secured quick ball, the half backs got the ball out wide, Lorcan Hankin skipped past his opposite number and passed to Nic J-G who finished it off. I do believe I heard the coaches purring about that one!!

Wright managed to secure his hat-trick try soon after and Jake Allen converted that one.

Unfortunately towards the end Sidmouth did take their foot off the gas a bit and the break- down area got untidy, which allowed Ivybridge to finally cross Sidmouth’s line to score a consolation try.

Well done to all the Sidmouth Under-13s for their effort and commitment on the first weekend of half term.

Sidmouth U12 vs Exeter Chiefs

The all-weather pitch allowed play to continue at Exeter Chiefs in a game of three thirds, writes Chris Robinson.

Sidmouth started well against a considerably larger and improved opposition with speedy play and quick hands eventually rewarded and converted. Exeter responded without pause, however, and the first session closed level.

The break did Sidmouth no favours, unsettling their high tempo rhythm and sucking them into a more physical game which resulted in a more defensive line and a middle third without score.

The final third continued in the same vein and the result was only going one way. Despite notable performances from the forwards and centres against larger opposition, Exeter ground out a further try and conversion to complete a rare win.

Although missing key players, Sidmouth learnt a valuable lesson about how to play against larger opposition.