Sidmouth 19, Exmouth 22 Sidmouth Under-14s were unfortunate not to secure a first win of the season in a game that ebbed and flowed against local seaside rivals Exmouth, writes Chris Woodruff.

Had they run with the ball rather than kicked, Sidmouth could well have secured the opening try, but Exmouth quickly pressed up the pitch and caught the home side unawares from the second of two penalties to run in the opener. Determined play from Lowe, linking up with Skelding and Perez balanced the score with Harris converting to give the lead to the home team for the first time this season.

Once again handling errors and being caught off guard from penalty play sent the home side into the break trailing 12-7.

Early in the second half a debut try from Main following solid defence from Sidmouth’s forwards and a Harris conversion nudged Sidmouth into a 14-12 advantage.

Mead limped off and changes were made that saw the momentum lost and a penalty advantage fumble cost the home side dear as the visitors regained the lead at 17-14.

Sidmouth kept believing and strong play from the likes of Degruchy, Fisher and the impressive Stamp created an opportunity that Cockhayne was not going to pass up as he powered over to restore the home lead at 19-17.

The visitors had the final say with a late try to secure a narrow victory which was hard on the home side who put in a battling performance and deserved at least a share of the spoils.