Sidmouth RFC U12’s went to Exeter Chiefs last Saturday to defend their title as last year’s U11 Land Rover Cup winners.

Their first game was against Brixham and, despite a slow start, Sidmouth dominated with the majority of possession. Despite excellent tackling, great defensive work and good hooking in the scrum, a try for Sidmouth was short and disallowed, resulting in a 0 - 0 draw.

?A fantastic second game against Ivybridge involved some exceptional team work with one try from Jake Allen and two from Jonny Dunn resulting in a 3-0 victory, awarding them a place in the Semi Final against Brixham.

?In the semi’s, Brixham were defeated, as Sidmouth’s George Syradd scored a try, set up by Charlie Wright, in the first five minutes. Great pressure in the second half saw a try by Lorcan Hankin, set up by Will Down and Jonny Dunn, which gave Sidmouth a 2- 0 victory.

?As a result, Sidmouth fully deserved to be in the Cup Final, played on the First Team Exeter Chief’s pitch against Topsham.

The first half began with two penalties against Topsham in as many minutes, making it clear from the outset that Topsham were desperate to steal the title from Sidmouth, the reigning titleholders.

Despite some exceptional defensive forwards and backs teamwork by Sidmouth in the Topsham half, namely Jake Allen, Rory Morgan, Jonny Dunn and Charlie Wright, and great tackles by Rory Morgan and Lorcan Hankin, Topsham scored and were one try up.

After a high tackle, there were four penalties against Topsham in total.

With some wonderful teamwork from the forwards, particularly George Syradd, Sidmouth made ground and some fabulous free-flowing rugby ensued.

After a great run from Lorcan Hankin, who gave great pace, but was tackled near the line, an alert Luis Martinez popped it over the line and scored, making it one try all. The atmosphere was absolutely electric, as, almost immediately, came another great team effort, resulting in what must be the try of the tournament by Jonny Dunn. By half time, Sidmouth were a convincing two tries to one up.

In the second half, Topsham were desperate to score points and they conceded numerous penalties. Sidmouth remained dominant and composed in play. After a great run by Rory Morgan, set up by George Syradd, brilliant team play saw Harvey Sargent take possession and pass to Jonny Dunn.

Thanks to a fabulous run by Charlie Wright, Sidmouth were another try up, defeating Topsham fair and square, winning the final and defending their Land Rover Cup Winner’s title with a sweet 3-1 victory!

Sidmouth RFC players were :Forwards: Asa Unsworth, Luke Dix, George Syradd, Charlie Wright, Wills Matthews, Ed Boulton, Jacob White, Luis Martinez, Ned Mills, Harvey Sargent

Backs: Jack Emmott, Nick Johnson-Graves, William Down, Rory Morgan, Jonny Dunn, Jake Allen, Zac Robinson, Tristan Innes-Kruger, Lorcan Hankin, Max Moore.

Coaches: Stuart Morgan, Jason Allen and Andrew Down.