Ivybridge 49, Sidmouth 0 A weakened Chiefs team, with four late withdrawals, crashed out of the Devon Intermediate Cup at Cross-in-Hand against in-form Ivybridge, writes Terry O’Brien.

Although in different leagues, only one place separates the two clubs. However, Ivybridge are at the top winning games and brimming with confidence, while the Chiefs are struggling and destined to change places with their rivals at the end of the season.

The Chiefs started confidently, but the home side took an early lead with a penalty. The Chiefs again went on the attack but, when Ivybridge turned over possession in their own 22, a fine handling move sent their speedy left winger on a 50 metre run for the first try.

From the restart kick, Johnny Youngman was yellow carded and Ivybridge added four tries in his ten minute absence. All were the result of confident, slick back play. And by the half hour mark another two had been added in similar fashion.

It seemed that another Camborne style rout was in the making. However, the Chiefs showed great resolve in defence to prevent any further scores before half time.

The twenty minutes after the break were spent in Ivybridge territory as the home side lost some of their discipline and the Chiefs showed great determination. The pack made good ground through the driving maul and kept possession well through the phases. Andrew Dare, Christian Goddard and Cameron Grainger all came close to breaking clear, but the reward of a try did not come.

Ivybridge, with their scrum gaining superiority, finished strongly and scored two late tries, both from successful kick chases.