The 2013 Sidmouth Colts began their season with a very satisfactory win in a fast-paced game against a good Services side where both teams played plenty of entertaining rugby on the excellent new Prettejohn Field at Sidford.

The Colts are generously sponsored by Nigel Hillier at Sidmouth Garage and with a squad of 24, two colts in the 1st XV and still a couple to come back, the season has the potential to be both enjoyable and successful.

The format for Colts rugby in Devon has changed and while last season was played in competitive leagues, we are now playing club-friendly games with the competitive rugby limited to the county cup which starts in November.

Back-rower Sam Smith scored the first colts try of the season, forcing his way over after a period of pressure from Sidmouth, but not before Services had taken the lead after a smart line-out move which Sidmouth were unable to defend. As the first half progressed both teams created opportunities but it was Sidmouth centre Wells-Burr who seized the initiative after a powerful run. Stand-off Cavin converted the try to add to his early penalty and Sidmouth went into half-time 17-7 up.

The next score was likely to influence the result and Sidmouth, who were improving as the game progressed, defended a series of attacks from Devonport and began to play higher and higher up the field and deny the opposition good field position. This in turn built pressure on Services and steadily Sidmouth got control and finished the game strongly. Jack Faulkner touched down twice to seal the win; once after a run from his own half and once after a clever blindside break by Dan Powell.

With an emphasis on leadership and commitment there were standout games from Haydon Down, Sam Carlisle, Luke Wells-Burr, Reid Mawdesley, Kyle Baker, Harry West and a particularly classy performance from Sam Cavin who took the early pressure in his stride and, as the game progressed, exerted more and more control and influence.