Sidmouth Under-16s underlined just how they are going from strength to strength as they defeated Cullompton 34-19, writes Daryl Pearce.

Having lost to a strong Cully side at the beginning of the season, this rematch required Sidmouth solidarity and assertive play, and the players delivered!

Sidmouth started well, but Cullompton scored in the first minutes of the game, following a pitch length run to the posts. Undeterred, the young Chiefs came back strongly and Innes-Kruger seized the opportunity for a forward kick, allowing speedy Lau to surprise the Cullompton defenders and score Sidmouth’s first try.

The home pressure continued and a high tackle on Davies offered up a penalty close to the Cullompton line and Lau crossed for his second try of the game.

Sidmouth continued with solid passes and good hands and some more determined play from Allen saw him cross the whitewash.

The home strength couple with continuing self confidence was there for all to see when an excellent dummy by Down gave him a try that Allen converted to see Sidmouth into a 22-7 half-time lead.

With just the bare 15 players on duty there were no fresh legs to call on which made their second half work, chasing up the slope of the pitch, all the harder!

Cullompton regained some momentum downhill,but a great tackle by captain Pearce took them into touch.

Sidmouth rallied and took play back into the Cullompton half and, from a line-out they neatly collected the ball and pushed forward relentlessly against the Cullompton defence prior to Davies crossing for another try.

Cullompton countered with a quick ball from a ruck and skilfully evaded Sidmouth defenders to score between the posts, but the home side regained possession from the restart and worked up the pitch to make a further attack only to be held up by the visitors.

Play resumed and Allen had a great run that was ended feet from the line, however, the ever-reliable Dix was supporting and he collected the ball to score a well-deserved try, which was converted by Allen to make it 34-14.

In the final play a fierce tackle flipped Davies onto his neck and Cullompton scored a try, but failed to convert it.

This was without doubt a great team effort with strong forwards, efficient line-outs, quick passes and clean kicking from the backs and energetic tackling from everyone. A well-deserved victory against a strong opposition team.