Sidmouth Colts 60, Barnstaple 10

Sidmouth Colts got their season off to a flier in this pre-season friendly. It was an emphatic display against historically strong opposition, writes Don Blyth.

Sidmouth were completely dominant in the first half. Their fast, aggressive defence completely overwhelmed anything Barnstaple had to offer.

Back row Gavin Pearson set the tone with a powerful run through the heart of their defence, setting up Ashley Cauldwell for the first try. Hooker Jack Hodge followed up immediately with a second try, after taking a pop ball outside the fly half.

Sidmouth were in total control and warmed to their task. They soon realised all the hard work on the training ground in the summer was paying off against the bigger side.

Verbal communication in defence and low body angles, combined with fast accurate attack at the breakdown, even by the backs, saw possession retained and opposition ball stolen.

Further tries flowed with two from left wing Jamie Balloch, after precise quick hands in the backs. Alex Dunn kicked all but one conversion, to leave a half time score of 31-0.

The second half saw Barnstaple rally slightly, as they enjoyed the slope and strong wind.

A score in the first five minutes could have signalled a revival, but was soon snuffed out by a sterling talk under the posts from Captain Jack Hodge.

Sidmouth restarted with gusto, with Man of the Match Jevon Astley-Jones scoring, following an athletic charge down from Jack Sowden.

Sidmouth went back to the game plan and more tries followed from Jevon(2), Alex Dunn, Dan Rugg, who had an awesome game in the loose, and finally Olly Blyth.

Barnstaple managed a consolation try signalling one or two areas to work on in training, on an otherwise perfect day.