Sidmouth Under-11s took a sabbatical last week when accepting Taunton Prep school’s kind invitation to a coaching/mini tournament/recruitment drive, writes Craig Morgan.

The event was held within the cultured splendour of the Somerset establishment and the immaculate grounds and facilities were a pleasure to gallop around on.

It was good to see how the Sidmouth side responded to other experienced coaches and reassuring to note that raucous behaviour and shortened attention spans are a challenge for the top coaches too!

However, new drills and different approaches freshen up the learning environment and all the lads seemed to benefit.

Four short games finished off the morning and the two Sidmouth teams went unbeaten till they met each other. A clash of the Titans if you will!

The Sidmouth ‘Wolves’ snarled first with a Mr Stamp barging his way over the line and then ensued a torrid exchange.

Jamie Wyant and Big Hen looked impressive for the Cougars, but in the end it was Alex Peacock who tore the ball away and touched down for the equaliser and that was how it ended – honours even.

Taunton’s hospitality knew no bounds and a full roast, drinks, goodie bags and prixes were all dished out at the end of a superb day out.