Sidmouth Under-16s were engaged in a classic ‘encounter of two very different halves; when they played Topsham, writes Daryl Pearce.

Topsham started strongly and took an early lead with a try.

The Sidmouth response was good and they powered forward, but just as a try seemed imminent, they were pushed into touch!

Topsham regained possession and worked their way back downfield where smooth passes and safe hands produced a second try and a 12-0 lead.

Stout defending by Sidmouth held up one Topsham attempt, but they could not keep out a couple of other raids and so went into the half-time break trailing 26-0.

The second half saw Sidmouth gain in both confidence and momentum. Early pressure took them close to the try line and Chugg-White powered over for the first of the game’s Sidmouth tries, one that was converted by Allen.

Play continued, largely in the Topsham half. The Sidmouth scrum was good with some excellent hooking by Davies. A great run by Allen promised further success, but the try was held up by the home team. At the other end the Tops bagged another unconverted try.

There was then some real drama with Lau kicking the ball through the Topsham defence and beat all the opposition to the ball. Knowing his speed Sidmouth supporters were hopeful that he would continue unchallenged, but a quick Topsham player stopped his momentum!

However, Sidmouth continued to fight their way forward and Innes-Kruger scored and once again Allen converted.

Despite a 31-14 reversal a huge positive for Sidmouth was they ‘won’ the second half try count 2-1.