Crediton 12, Sidmouth 21 Sidmouth Under-11s travelled to Mid Devon to take on a side they had not faced before, writes Mark Williams.

The temperature was zero degrees at the start of the match with the edges of the pitch more like concrete, but there was a good level of grass which meant the pitch was playable.

During pre-match warm-up there were a few tears caused by frozen hands and feet, but cometh the hour cometh the Sidmouth Under-11s!

The match was played at a frantic pace by both sides and, although Sidmouth were winning the open play clashes, they were under pressure in the set pieces to the bigger heavier Crediton pack.

It soon became apparent that it was more advantageous to keep the ball alive, moving the bigger boys around the pitch. This the Sidmouth team did with aplomb going in at half time 14-5 to the good.

The second half continued in similar fashion and, even with several injuries disrupting the flow of the game, Sidmouth continued to apply pressure adding another converted try, whilst denying the hosts further scores, to seal victory.

This was an excellent test for the boys especially as we were trying most of them in different positions to see how the new combinations worked and against a big, well drilled team. Tremendous stuff from one and all!