The second team took to the Blackmore for the first league fixture of the season and, despite the forwards competing well, the lack of match practice was evident and reflected in the score.

The second team took to the Blackmore for the first league fixture of the season and, despite the forwards competing well, the lack of match practice was evident and reflected in the score.

Kicking off on a well prepared pitch, Sidmouth's forwards, despite winning good possession, conceded a penalty after three minutes. From the penalty the return kick was poor and straight to the strong Cullompton backs, who ran in a try.

The Sidmouth scrum was strong and provided the ball for Matt Gingell to threaten the opponents line only to be held up. A penalty to the Cullompton corner gave the platform for an attack and the Sid forwards were unable to ground the ball over the line. From the resulting five metre scrum, the ball was released out for Tom Whelan to exploit a gap in midfield and score a try, which he converted. Despite being provided with over 50 per cent of the possession, the home three quarters often picked questionable options, especially as their visiting opponents appeared very strong, and this determined the remainder of the match.

Missed tackles out wide gifted cully three tries in the 10 minutes before half time, two of which were converted to make the half time score 24-7.

The game was still there to be won but the second half echoed the first and, although the first 10 minutes was fairly even, the ball that was secured was squandered and Sidmouth played to the Cullompton strengths.

This gave the initiative to the visitors and they grasped it with both hands, scoring a further five tries, four successfully converted.

The final score somewhat flattered Cullompton and there was some good to be taken from the game in that there was a squad of 22 keen players and the forwards, in the main, showed signs that they could compete with anyone.