Unbelievably, after so many matches called off due to flooding this one nearly was due to the pitch being too hard, writes Mark Williams.

Topsham is always a fixture we eagerly await as it pits two of the strongest under-10 teams in Devon against each other so with sunshine, above freezing temperatures and a (very) firm pitch, battle commenced.

What a fantastic display of open running rugby we were treated to, evasive running aggressive tackling, off loads and fierce rucking from both teams kept the supporters glued to the action. The real difference between the teams was Sidmouth’s tackling which was uncompromising, technically superb and led to so many turnovers Topsham were running out of places to run even with the extra large pitch we used to encourage them to get the ball wide.

We played three games of 15 minutes to enable both squads to get plenty of game time and the scores in all three were in Sidmouth’s favour, in the excitement I might have the scores slightly wrong however I think they were (Sidmouth scores first); 25-15; 20-10 and 25-5.

Very well done boys and thank you to all the parents of both teams for their enthusiastic support, next up is our mini tour to Cornwall in two weeks so watch this space for that report, should be interesting!