Sidmouth 2nd XV and an Ottery XV shared 34 points in a highly competitive and entertaining match bank holiday weekend meeting, despite the wet conditions underfoot and overhead, writes Terry O’Brien.

Ottery had a great scoring opportunity in the first minute after regaining possession from the kick off. Joe Briggs cut a good angle to take a short pass and burst through the centre. He was tackled as he dived for the line and lost possession before he could touch down.

Sidmouth gradually worked their way upfield and set up camp in the Ottery 22. Despite applying considerable pressure for ten minutes, they were unable to break down the determined defence.

Ottery eventually broke out with a long kick downfield. It was their turn to apply pressure and they eventually took the lead, when number eight Sam Dix forced his way over from a ruck near the line. Connor Down added the conversion.

Another period of Sidmouth pressure failed to produce a score and they would now be regretting not taking the opportunity to kick for goal as Ottery conceded a number of penalties.

A fine handling move sparked by a Connor down break set Ottery on the attack once again. They held territorial advantage until half time but could not add to their score.

The Quins started the second half strongly and, after the forwards had progressed the ball through several phases, good handling along the backs sent Adam West sprinting over in the left corner. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful.

A few minutes later, Sidmouth took the lead, when Tom Robbins intercepted on halfway and sprinted in under the posts. He also kicked the conversion.

Sidmouth were soon back on the attack and increased their lead when a tap penalty move caught the defence napping and Scott Harley darted over on the overlap for an unconverted try.

Ottery came back strongly in the final quarter and reduced the arrears, when Sam Olive finished off a good handling move. The try was unconverted.

In the final minutes, Ottery drew level when Haydon Down forced his way over from close range. The conversion attempt drifted wide leaving the scores level as the final whistle sounded.

On Saturday (April 7), the Chiefs entertain Falmouth at the Blackmore Field (3pm).

Torquay Athletic withdrew from the scheduled Devon Intermediate Cup semi-final against the Chiefs, handing them a walkover into the final.

The final against Cullompton will be played at Cullompton on Saturday, April 28.