Sidmouth s first league fixture of the year was against Exeter Saracens.

Sidmouth RFC U16s 19, Exeter Saracens 19

Sidmouth's first league fixture of the year was against Exeter Saracens, who are tough opposition, and a good match was expected.

It turned out to be a close-fought encounter with both sides playing quality, powerful, rugby.

Saracens scored first after 10 minutes of even play through from a well worked try by Hugh Rosser.

With the extras converted, Sids were seven points behind, but fought back.

Great pressure was turned into points when Sid's Ollie Cave dived in to score. Cave converted to make the match square. Next score came from Sidmouth's on form flanker, Barney St Anton, who flew in from distance to grab their second try.

From the opening of the second half, Sidmouth stepped up the pressure with winger Ashley Caldwell running most of the length of the pitch to score a magnificent individual try. Cave grabbed the extras.

Saracens came back with a try by Ben King, converted by Matt Lloyd.

Saracens continued to work on Sidmouth's lead through two converted penalties. The final score was a converted try by Saracens Matt Lloyd.

Sid fell away towards the end of the match, probably suffering from having played few matches so far this season. The return match should be a cracker.