Sidmouth Under-15s were 17-12 winners when they entertained Wiveliscombe, writes Chris Woodruff.

After a number of weeks of missed games and training owing to inclement weather the young Chiefs welcomed a strong looking squad from Wiveliscombe to the college ground.

Having lost to an equally large Crediton side on the same pitch on their last outing, it was pleasing to see Sidmouth start in a more positive frame of mind.

Both sides showed signs of lacking matchplay, with knock-ons, loose play and fumbling marring the opening stages. Wiveliscombe forwards dominated the scrums but Sid kept their shape, pressing hard, forcing errors and frequently turning over the ball. After a series of missed opportunities in attack, the ball eventually went wide to Mead who weaved through to touch down; the conversion from Harris providing a 7-0 lead to Sid. A series of unforced errors let Wiveliscombe in just before half-time to narrow the gap to just two points.

Playing upslope in the second half, Sidmouth started well, earning a deserved try through a pacy Turley and opening the gap to 12-5. Substitutions saw Sidmouth begin to dominate line-outs and gain more possession in the breakdowns, putting the away side under pressure and eventually securing a well worked try through a determined Lamprill and a 17-5 lead.

Wiveliscombe has the final say with a late try and conversion, but by then Sidmouth had done enough to be worthy winners.