Sidmouth Under-8s had their first outing of the season when they took on close rivals Withycombe.

Sidmouth turned out in record numbers with over 20 players providing three Under-8s teams. With new laws for tag rugby being introduced at Under 8s level, including a seven-tag turnover, both teams were keen to impress the coaches and parents with the new rugby skills they have picked up over the past four weeks of training. This includes the kids’ favourite new law of now being able to “Jack Nowell Style” swan dive over the try line to score.

The end result was some great competitive play providing thrilling although sometimes frustrating rugby for the onlooking Sidmouth crowd and travelling Withycombe parents, whilst also leaving the coaching team on both sides with plenty to work on for the rest of the year following some zany and sometimes confused play from both teams.

Notable superb tagging and play was seen from Sean Cload, Zac Dunstan , Freya Parker and Dewi Lewis, all of whom have helped to show the way for our new recruits this year. Results from the games played saw many of the games drawn and some very close scores; overall a draw between all sides was the final and fairest outcome of a good day, a great first game of the season experience for all involved.

Sidmouth’s “player of the week” trophy was awarded to Noah Helm, for showing determination, good passing skills, excellent tagging and great sportsmanship, especially more so, as we had lent him to Withycombe to make up the numbers to even up the sides and so he was tagging his friends and team-mates as the opposition.

The coaches on both teams were more than pleased with the effort from all the players; all in all, an excellent fun day both on and off the field for all players involved across the teams, and our thanks go to our excellent opponents Withycombe and we look forward to our return visit along the coast later in the season.

This week we now return to training at our Sidford Ground on Sunday at 10am. If your son our daughter would like to join in for a taster session then please just turn up.