Sidmouth 0 Devonport Services 50 A much improved Sidmouth Under-14s started well with good passing and movement, closing the opposition down well and looking more like their old self.

Fortune favoured the visitors however, as advantage from hands in the ruck brought an early try and conversion.

Cockhayne was outstanding at number-eight throughout and played a captains role, leading by example.

Mead was unfortunate not to secure a quick response to level as Services began to look static in the face of a confident Sidmouth.

Losing possession at critical points cost Sidmouth dear however and was the key difference between the sides as the momentum swung and Devonport scored a second to lead the half 12-0.

As the temperature rose and the second half saw spectators replace jackets with tee-shirts the sizable opposition went about peeling back Sidmouth’s

defence with military precision.

Sidmouth struggled to maintain their first half performance and the widened the margin allowed the more consistent

Devonport to exploit weaknesses; errors crept in as the game wore on and Devonport ran out the game comfortably 50-0.

Sidmouth should be pleased with their all round performance in the first half and take the many positives from that into next weeks game.