On an overcast day with a sticky muddy pitch Sidmouth Under-13s were in superb form as they won 22-7 to reach the semi-finals of the Devon Cup.

In the past Withy had always proved stubborn opponents and, once again they did not disappoint.

The main difference in the first half was Sidmouth’s speed out wide. This became apparent in the fifth and 11th minute when their very own ‘Billy Wizz’ - James Nicholls, raced two-thirds of the pitch after excellent work by the forwards, to score a brace of terrific tries.

Shortly after, with the wind in their sails, following several strong phases of play, Will Bond found a gap and pounced from short range to score and Kris Purkis slotted the conversion.

The remainder of the first half was played out with Withy in the ascendancy and Sidmouth seemingly thinking their job was done! Half-time oranges were served with some home truths from the coaches and the Sidmouth boys duly responded with probably the best 20 minutes of rugby they have produced to date!

They enjoyed neat total dominance for phase after phase ending with a deft grubber kick from Charlie McCaig, picked up brilliantly by Calvin Clifford who scored in the corner for a clear contender for ‘try of the season’!

The score effectively ended the game as a contest, though an ever-resilient Withycombe scored a late converted try.

There follows a three-week festive break from matches.

Coach Mark Williams says: “I would like to take this opportunity, not only to commend the team for their superb victory at Withycombe, but to wish all the squad and their wonderful parents a very merry Christmas and I hope to them all back in the new year.”