Sidmouth RFC 2nd XV 36, New Cross 36

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth 2nds played Newcross at the weekend. Ref shsp 4359-08-13AW. To order your copy of this photograph, go to www.sidmouthherald.co.uk and click on myphotos24Sidmouth 2nds played Newcross at the weekend. Ref shsp 4359-08-13AW. To order your copy of this photograph, go to www.sidmouthherald.co.uk and click on myphotos24 (Image: Archant)

A entertaining game on a very stodgy Blackmore pitch, which saw Sidmouth’s comfortable lead pulled back twice, writes Steve Channing.

The Quins went 12 - 0 up with Tom Male and Cameron Grainger both finishing off good moves, Grainger converting his own try.

New Cross closed the gap with a catch and drive at the second attempt.Both sides kept the ball moving as often as they could, ending with a few forward passes or knock-ons.

A clever interception allowed Grainger in for his second try and just before half time “Birthday Boy” James Powell beat a couple of would-be tacklers for a fine solo try, Grainger adding the extras for a 24-5 lead.

With this friendly fixture, Sidmouth made some changes at the break to give players game time, as did the visitors.

New Cross restarted much stronger, scoring out wide after the home defence got sucked in, superbly converted from the touchline, quickly adding a second try via a catch-and-drive from five metres out.

Scrum half Johnny Hamil broke from his own 22, supported by Powell and Ben Pratt, wing man Tom Male being on hand to run in under the posts. Grainger made no mistake with the conversion.

New Cross didn’t roll over quite like the home side thought they might. They took a quick tap penalty and ran it in to reduce the scores once more with a converted try.

Straight from the kick off the visitors were gifted another converted try with some weak defending in the middle of the park to leave the score 31-31 with just a few minutes remaining.

James Powell made a super break, enabling Man of the Match Cameron Grainger to score his third try out wide for 21 point haul. His conversion fell short.

All the Quins had to do was retain possession from the kick off to secure a win.Alas, a knock-on gave the visitors one more chance, and they made the most of a blindside break, for the equalising score.

This week the 2nds take on Crediton at the Blackmore,