Even though Sidmouth Quins came away with a stylish 41-7 Merit Table win at home to Torquay the final result could have been a lot closer, writes Robert Baugh.

Playing with the slope and breeze Torquay made few incursions into the Sidmouth half, but when there Sidmouth managed to concede four kickable penalties in front of posts, fortunately none being converted. Whilst at the other end, a half break from full back Ben Pratt was continued by the forwards who got the ball to live wire wing Lewis Horne for a score in the corner.

A penalty following a Torquay yellow card saw scrum half Jay Wright launch an attack from his own 22, linking with Harry Chesterton who made 30 metres up field before putting away Lewis Horne to score his second try under the posts which he then converted.

A Sidmouth yellow card prior to half time allowed the visitors to use the extra man by creating a try wide out, being converted from the touch line and Quins led 12-7 at the interval.

In the second half the pace in the Sidmouth backline came to the fore and it was only the visitors guile and experience in the forwards at the breakdown which reduced their attacking opportunities. A Sidmouth missed clearance kick was gathered by wing James Leat who linked with the supporting Ben Salter who raced over in the corner for the try.

Torquay then had their best chance to put points on the board after a spell camped on the Sidmouth line, but all came to nothing when flanker Mike Boraston relieved the pressure by putting boot to a loose ball regaining territory and then following a series of mauls hooker Louis Headon was driven over, Lewis Horne again adding the extras.

Ben Salter was again on hand to finish off a flowing move initiated by Ben Pratt powering through the midfield and linking with both forwards and backs.

Torquay’s woes continued when a speculative long pass was intercepted by Cam Grainger on his own 22, he cantered away from the cover defence scoring under the posts, with Lewis Horne converting. Ben Salter got his third try after a simple miss move in centre created the overlap out wide.

With a strong bench it was another great team performance, with a dynamic all round display, flanker Matt Ewing was made man of the match.