Sidmouth Colts in close encounter with visiting Cullompton

On a sunny November day at the Blackmore, Sidmouth Colts were in good numbers to play Cullompton, writes Michael Horsnell

Sidmouth Colts took on Cullompton Colts at the weekend. Ref shsp 1759-49-14AW. Picture: Alex Walton. - Credit: Archant

The game started with 10 minutes of steady Cullompton pressure which, although many good tackles were put in by Sidmouth, they finished with a try under the posts.

Sidmouth replied swiftly with some great flowing rugby followed by Danny Swain running a great line, which proved unstoppable for a try in the corner The Mid Devon side slotted a penalty to open a 10-5 lead, but again the Sidmouth response was positive and, with a penalty kick into touch in the Cully 22, a quick ball out to the other wing saw Lewis Horne touch down for an unconverted try that sent the teams into the break at 10-all.

Cully came out fighting again with fairly constant pressure, again well defended by Sidmouth, but, after a 10-minute spell Cullompton earned themselves a try with no conversion. Sidmouth fought back hard and showed some great skills, especially in the forwards finished by an acrobatic Aaron Bagwell scoring a try. This was nicely converted to nudge Sidmouth in front for the first time in the match at 17-15.

A lapse in concentration towards the end in the Sidmouth backs let Cully run in one last try. The conversion was missed, but crucially the try gave the Mid Devon side a narrow 20-17 victory.

Referee Alan Hubbleday, who had a fine game himself, said: “Well done to both Sidmouth RFC and Cullompton RFC Colts for playing a great game. It was one I enjoyed refereeing very much and I wish both sets of players the best of luck for the remainder of their season.”