Sidmouth Quins were 46-14 winners when they entertained Exeter Engineers, a team of students from Exeter University.

The Sidmouth forwards had the edge in the set pieces to provide a platform for the backs to show their paces on a firm pitch after the Quins kicked off with a wind at their backs.

The opening 10 minutes were evenly contested before the Quins took the lead thanks to a penalty kicked by fly half Jake Watts.

The Sidmouth forwards showed their superiority with two tries from well-controlled lineout catch-and-drive plays, both touched down by Jason Stevens. The first had been driven with great control from 20 metres out; the second, from closer range, was converted by Jake Watts.

A good handling move by the backs set up Morgan Taverner for a run into the 22, where Johnny Hammill darted over on the blindside of a ruck. And, just before half-time Hamill dummied his way over for a second try from the back of a driving maul. Both tries were converted for a lead of 27-0 at the break.

With the wind at their backs, the Engineers made a strong start to the second half to keep play inside the Sidmouth half for long periods. The Quins showed the same defensive organisation and determination as the Chiefs to keep their line intact until midway through the half, when the students scored a converted try from a quick tap penalty move.

The Quins struck back almost immediately, when Johnny Hamill completed his hat-trick from the base of ruck near the line after good approach work by the pack. The try was converted, as was a pushover try from a five-metre scrum scored by Dan Ledger.

The Engineers produced a fine piece of rugby with backs and forwards combining in a move started on the half-way line. The try was converted.

The Quins finished the game with a try of equal quality, when a good move by the backs stretched the defence and skipper Neil Barratt picked up from the base of a ruck to sprint over from 30 metres out.

Tomorrow (Saturday) the Chiefs travel to Wellington, who are in third place in the league and have not lost at home since April last year. At the Blackmore Field, the Quins again face first team opposition in the form of Ilfracombe. The kick-off is at 3pm.