Sidmouth 43, Exeter Saracens 12 Sidmouth Colts ensured they finished the East Devon Merit Table and propelled themselves into the Devon Merit Table with a 100 per cent record with a classy victory over a determined visiting side.

Sidmouth hit the ground running from the first whistle, with the standout Dan Rugg scoring what can only be described as a fortuitously-awarded try after displaying some neat footballing skills!

Sidmouth pressed on from their bright start, and George Locke found a gap to go over soon after. Sam Carlisle was prominent in the pack and the loose, and James Perchard-Richards solid in defence.

This was followed up with tries from Charlie Cotton and Louie Headon before half time as Sidmouth kept the pressure on their opponents and pressed their advantage. Jay Wright also added two conversions for a 26-0 half-time lead.

In the second half, Sidmouth seemed to take their foot off the gas, and were punished when Sarries wormed over following a period camped on the Sidmouth line, which Sid defended brilliantly until the try.

This put new fire in the Sid side, and they responded with tries through Haydon Down (2) and Cotton to reaffirm their grip on the game.

However, Sarries came back again and pressed on the Sid line, and were able to get over again despite committed defence. This left the final score, 43-12.

This was a game that Sidmouth ultimately won in style, although Sarries made them work for it.

The manner of the victory, and in particular the determined defence on the Sid line, can give the Colts great cause for optimism as they move on to face the best in Devon in the next league in the New Year.