Sidmouth Under-10s were in action at Sidford where they had 22 players on parade for a series of four 8-a-side matches against Exmouth.

Team Moss/Patch had a good crack at the opposition in their two games. There was lots of good rugby from the whole team with barnstorming runs from Jake Dunstan, the speedy runs from Sam Smart and the side-stepping jinks of Lucas Vicary being noted by the coaches.

Will Cotton was relentless in his defence and tackled like a demon, which was very pleasing to see. Jerry Min worked hard across the field, making hard yards and getting better at clearing through the ruck. Leah Patch and Tilly Bennett worked well together on a number of mauls with Harry Murphy also making himself a nuisance around the field. However, despite these heroics, Exmouth managed to edge both games by a single try.

Team Russell/Wall had a slow start to their first game, taking a while to get to grips with some of the larger opponents. The head start given was too big and Exmouth came through triumphant in the first game, but there had been some great play from the kids.

The second game saw the kids fully switched on and they eased through with several tries to spare.

Will Horne and Will Garland made a big defensive effort before being on the wrong end of some studs. Will Russell was his usual evasive self and surprised some of the opponents with his ferocious tackling.

Isaac Wall managed to make at least three try-saving tackles, wrapping up the attackers and putting them quickly on the floor much to the enjoyment of the spectators.

Eli Moss made good ground keeping out on the wing, while Chris Wallace and Henry Tanner made a lot of inroads straight through the middle. The team were bolstered by the late arrival of Charlie Nancekivell, who wasted no time in getting stuck into attack and defence – great stuff!

One of the coaching staff, Joe Wall, said: “It was a good few games to mark the halfway point of the season and a great base to push on from – well done, to all the kids!”